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CENTENNIAL HISTORY 



OF 



GUTHRIE COUNTY. IOWA 



CONTAINING A SHORT HISTORY OF IOWA, HIS- 
TORY AND DESCRIPTION OF GUTHRIE 
COUNTY; EARLY SETTLEMENT, 
INCIDENTS, ETC. 



^ / 

By MRS. S. :B. MAXV/ELL. 



Oy^ 1-,. •.•C__,,f 

CARTER, HUSSEY ^ CUR^, PRINTERS. 



To MY Friends and Neighbors, 

THE GOOD PEOPLE OF GUTHRIE COUNTY, IN GENERAL, AND THE OLD 

SETTLERS, IN PARTICULAR, THIS LITTLE WORK IS 

REGARDFULLY INSCRIBED BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, A. D. 1876, by 

Mrs. S. B. MAXWHLL, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



f 



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hRt-qbH 



PREFACE 



To the many hospitable, kind and obliging friends, who 
have encouraged and assisted me, I return my warmest 
thanks. 

To Col. Raney, Capt. Thomas Seely, J. W. Cummins, 
Esq., Michael Leinart, Esq. and Capt. O. B. Hayden, for 
courtesy, kindness and assistance, I acknowledge my 
indebtedness. 

To my advertising patrons, I thank you, and tender you 
my sincerest wishes for your success and prosperity. 

To my publishers, and the editors of our county papers, 
for courtesies shown me, I thank you. 

Respectfully, 

Stuart, Oct. 10, 1876. SADIE B. MAXWELL. 



HISTORY OF IOWA. 



In writing a history of Guthrie county, a brief sketch of 
the State will not be out of place. The tirst settlement in 
the State of Iowa was made by a colony of miners from 
Prairie du Chein, under Julien Dubuque, in 1788, — one 
hundred and fifteen years after the discovery of these 
shores by Marquette and Joliet. 

Iowa, at the time of this settlement, was a part of the 
Spanish province of Louisiana. 

Previous to the year 17G3 and at the close of the " Old 
French War," the entire continent of North America was 
owned by France, Great Britain, Spain and Russia. 

In 1763, Spain obtained by cession from France, the 
territory west of the Mississippi. 

On the 1st of October, 1800, by treaty of St. Idelfonso, 
Spain ceded back to France, the Territory of Louisiana. 

On the 30th of April, 1803, France ceded it to the United 
States, in consideration of the sum of $11,250,000 and the 
liquidation of certain claims held by citizens of the United 
States against France, — the claims amounting to over 
$3,000,000. 

March 31, 1803, the President was authorized by Con- 
gress, to take possession of the territory and provide for 
it, a temporary government. 

October 1, 1804, this territory was divided into the "Dis- 
trict of Louisiana" and the Territory of Orleans. 

On the 4th of July, 1805, the ''district" of Louisiana was 
organized into a "territory" of the same name. 

On the 30th of April, 1812, the Territory of Orleans 
became a State of the Union, under the name of Louisiana. 



6 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

December 1, 1812, the Territory of Louisiana was, by 
authority of Congress, re-organized and called the Terri- 
tory of Missouri. 

July 4, 1819, Arkansas Territory was made and com- 
prised the present State of that name and the country to 
the westward. 

March 2, 1821, by a "joint resolution" of Congress, the 
State of Missouri. — being a part of Missouri Territory, — 
was admitted into the Union. 

June 28, 1884, the territory north of the State -of Mis- 
souri, was made a part of the Territory of Michigan. 

July 3, 1836, AVisconsin Territory was taken from that 
of Michigan and embraced the present States of Iowa, 
Minnesota and ^Yisconsin. 

July 3, 1838, the Territory of Iowa was formed, includ- 
ing, beside the present limits of the State, what is now 
Minnesota and extending northward to the British line. 

After several attempts to locate tha boundaries of the 
State of Iowa, it was finally admitted, with its present 
limits, on the 28th day of December, 1846, making the 
twenty-ninth State in the Union. Thus our proud young 
State is but thirty years old, and we challenge any of the 
other States to a comparison of enterprise and progress. 

When admitted into the Union, the population of Iowa 
was 97,588; according to the last census, it is 1,350,544. 

It is situated between the 40th and 43d parellels of lat- 
itude, and east and west between the two great rivers, — the 
Mississippi and the Missouri. Its area is 55,045 square 
miles and contains 35,228,200 acres of land. The distance 
across the State, east and west, is about 300 miles; north 
and south, over 200 miles. Its surface is about ninety per 
cent prairie, mostly undulating, thus giving us compar- 
atively little " swamp land." According to White's Report, 
ninety-five per cent of the surface is tillable. 

No State is richer in the chief wealth of the nation — 
Agriculture. 



IlISTOUY OF IOWA. 7 

But a few short years ago this was the "far west," and 
when it was announced by a friend or neighbor that he was 
going to Iowa "to live," we thouglit it a terribly reckless 
undertaking, and could only comfort ourselves by sighing 
sadly, "Ah, well; 'westward the star of empire takes its 
way' — and ever will. If they are determined to risk their 
lives among the savages, where the only mark of civiliza- 
tion is an occasional fort, or a settlement of deluded whites, 
we can but commend them to the tender mercies of the 
All-father, whose watchful eye is ever over us." 

To-day all is changed. Iowa is no longer "away out 
west," — that region having receded to somewhere nearer 
sunset. The broad prairies are dotted with well cultivated 
and well stocked farms, and on every hand may be seen 
the evidence of thrift and general comfort, found only in 
agricultural regions. The farmer is here rewarded with 
abundant harvests — all the cereals yielding abundantly, 
while the fruits adapted to this climate and all " garden 
vegetables " can be grown successfully. The soil is less 
susceptible to the effects of drouth or extremely wet weather, 
than that of most other States. 

"Distance lends enchantment," and we hear, with feelings 
of rapture, the glowing descriptions of the ever-green and 
exuberant loveliness of the south, or with feelings of awe 
of the " icy deserts " of the far north. Tourists fill our 
imaginations with the grandeur of the mountain scenery of 
the west, but nowhere can be found, scenes of quiet, grace- 
ful beauty, equal to those of the prairies of Iowa. The 
graceful undulations of the prairie; the ever welcome 
groves; the clear, swiftly flowing streams, make a mag- 
nificent scene, while to add to its loveliness, the wild prairie 
flowers of various hues and varieties, greet us at every 
step; indeed so profuse are they upon the unbroken prairie, 
that verily, it may be said, "we tread upon a carpet of 
roses." With the limpid Mississippi on her eastern and 
the turbid Missouri on her western boundary, and traversed 



8 HISTORY OF IOWA. 

by numerous railroads; with all the resources of commerce 
at her command; with unlimited water power for man- 
ufactures, and nearly every acre of land available for 
farming or grazing, Iowa, with her live and enterprising 
citizens, is making rapid strides toward thS front rank in 
the Union. 

The Sacs and Foxes, when driven by the whites from one 
hunting ground to another, and when finall}^ driven across 
the Mississippi river, as they lay down discouraged and 
exhausted, exclaimed, " Iowa! " " Here we rest," or "Here 
we sleep." Thus Iowa means a resting place, and he who 
would rest, not from labor, but from the turmoil and con- 
fasion of crowded towns and cities, ma}' here find an 
"Iowa." 



DESCRIPTION OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 



Guthrie county is situated between the 41st and 42d par- 
allels of north latitude, and is twenty-four miles square, 
which gives it an area of five hundred and seventy- six 
square miles. It lies in the fourth tier of counties from the 
south, and also in the fourth tier from the west line of the 
State. It is bounded on the north by Carroll and Greene 
counties, on the east by Dallas, on the south by Adair, and 
on the west by Audubon county. 

The soil partakes of the general character of the prairie 
soil of the west, sand loam, and on the margins of the 
streams alluvial, all highly productive, as our numerous 
and bountiful crops testify. It is well watered and as well 
timbered as most counties in the west part of the State; 
though the bodies of timber may not be as large as along 
the larger streams of some counties, yet the numerous 
streams, whose valleys and ravines are covered with an 
average quality of timber, some quite good (said to aver- 
ag e a mile in width), make up our lack of large tracts. 
Bear Grove, containing eighteen hundred acres, is the 
largest in the count}^. It is situated in Bear Grove town- 
ship, in the middle western part of the county, while others 
of less extent are distributed along the various streams, at 
more or less convenient distances, from the open prairies, 
some sections being three, some five, while no section is 
more than ten miles from timber. 

A great many "artificial" groves have been and are still 
being planted, which besides being a protection from 
storms, to buildings and orchards, may in time afford a 
limited supply of fire-wood. 



10 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

The insufficiency of timber for fuel is abundantly com- 
pensated in the coal fields, which underlie many parts of 
the county. The native forests embrace several kinds of 
oak; hickory, walnut, cotton-wood, maple and elm. The 
artificial groves are maple and cotton-wood, with an occa- 
sional one of willow. 

Where there is any protection from the fires which sweep 
the prairies in the late autumn and early spring, consider- 
able tracts have been covered watli a vigorous growth of 
hazel, oak, etc., as that on the uplands of middle 'Coon 
near Panora, where it is said not a shrub was seen in the 
early settlement of the county. 

The principal streams of the county are, Middle river, 
middle and south Raccoon rivers, with their numerous trib- 
utaries, the most important of which are. Brushy Fork, 
Bear, Beaver, Willow, Seely and Mosquito creeks. South 
Raccoon rises in the divide about four miles south of the 
north-west corner of the county and runs in a south-east- 
erly direction, receiving near the centre of the county, 
Brushy Fork, which enters the county in the north-west 
corner and is the most important stream of the two. 

Middle Raccoon enters the county four miles east of 
Brushy Fork and runs nearly parallel to it, at a distance 
of, from two to six miles ; its course is south-east and leaves 
the county in Jackson township, about eight miles from 
the south line, while south 'Coon makes its exit four miles 
below. 

The stream next in importance is Middle river, which 
rises in Bear Grove, and pursues the same general course 
as the others, leaving the county one and a-half miles east 
of Casey, on the southern boundary, or about eight miles 
from the west line. Its chief tributary is South Fork of 
Middle river. Troublesome creek in the south-west part of 
Bear Grove township, receives the numerous small streams 
of that part of the township, and runs in a south-westerly 
direction. The larger branches of south 'Coon are, Seely 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 11 

creek, in Bear Grove and Centre townships, Bear creek, 
which drains Centre and part of Valley townships, Beaver 
creek, from Valley and Beaver townships, and Deer creek 
and Long Branch from Penn. 

The chief branches of middle Raccoon river are, Willow 
creek, from Highland township and Bay's Branch, from 
Cass. Mosquito creek, w^hich rises in a lake of the same 
name in the eastern part of Dodge, drains Richland town- 
ship, as does also a small stream called Greenbrier. The 
lakes (which are small) are. Pilot, Swan and Mosquito in 
Dodge, and Lone Tree in Richland. This latter takes its 
name from a single cottonwood tree that stands upon its 
shore; the name is very suggestive, and in the early days, 
before artificial groves were made, this lone tree was a 
pleasant relief to the eye, from the wdde stretches of prairie, 
which on a very warm day were apt to become monotonous. 
We remember the stories that used to be told to " us green 
ones " about seeing this tree from Dalmanutha, a distance 
of twenty miles and even further, forgetting that w^e might 
possibly think of the obstacles to be overcome in seeing a 
thing at so great a distance, — the rotundity of the earth's 
surface, the limit of mortal vision, etc. — but perhaps they 
thought we would think this a " mighty " tall tree, (a west- 
ernism we learned about this time). 

The rivers aiford sufficient w^ater pow^r for all manufac- 
turing purposes; there are two large woolen mills, with a 
number of grist and saw mills located on them, all doing a 
good business; of these we will speak hereafter. 

As you enter the county on the east, the prairie sweeps 
away in gentle undulations, as far as the eye can reach, 
and should you view it for the first time, on a balmy June 
morning, when the breezes gently sway the tall prairie 
grass, just close your eyes and imagine yourself on deck 
of an ocean steamer, and when you open them again you 
can scarcely realize that you are upon terra firma. But I 
was thinking of several years ago; the farmers are fast 
changing that billowy green ocean, into cultivated fields 



12 HISTORY OF GUTHKIE COUNTY, 

and gardens, dotted with neat little cottages, orchards, 
groves and shade trees. 

But going back to the uncultivated " surface," as you 
approach middle 'Coon valley the scene changes; the 
prairie becomes high and rolling, and as you near the river, 
rough and broken. To the westward of this river the sur- 
face is a succession of symmetrical ridges, the sight of 
which, make you wish you were a child again, that in 
winter you might coast upon these hills to your heart's 
content, or in summer, lie down and roll from summit to 
base. Though Time's gentle hand has painted numerous 
silvery steaks above our brow, we nerier pass these hills 
but sympathy with these childish diversions takes posses- 
sion of us. 

These ridges or high undulations, continue to the great 
water-shed divide, which separates the drainages of the Mis- 
sissisppi and Missouri rivers, and marks our western 
boundary. 

These ridges as well as the less rolling prairie are con- 
sidered valuable farming lands, while all parts of the 
county are adapted to stock raising. Taken as a whole, 
Guthrie county is one of the best grazing and farming 
counties in the State. 

There is an abundance of coal, mines of which are being 
opened in many localities throughout the county. The 
first one opened was that of J. T. Frazier in 1858, three 
and a-half miles south-east of Panora. Mr. Frazier at that 
time delivered coal at ten cents per bushel. 

In 1865 we paid thirty cents a bushel, for a most inferior 
quality of coal; now we get very good coal for just half 
that price. 

We have stone that affords excellent building material, 
quarries of which have been opened on south 'Coon, Bea- 
ver and Deer creeks, and 'Coon's branch. At Farnsworth's 
quarry on the latter named stream, a superior article is 
found. This quarry furnishes stone for the foundation of 
the new court house. 



HISTORY OE^ GUTHRIE COUNTY. 13 

Besides possessing mineral wealth, a soil unexcelled in 
fertility ; timber in moderate supply; water power abund- 
ant for all manufacturing purposes, and in connection with 
the fine grazing lauds for stock raising, scenery unsur- 
passed in beauty, Guthrie county possesses the advantages 
of railway communications, having the Chicago, Rock 
Island and Pacific on her southern border, and the Chicgoa 
and Northwestern and Des Moines and Ft. Dodge within 
easy reach on the north and east. 



FIRST SETTLEMENT OP GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

Previous to 1848, what is now Guthrie county, was the 
home of the red man, this being a part of the resting and 
hunting ground of Johnny Green, the Musquaka chief, and 
his tribe. The foot of the white man had never trodden 
the beautiful emerald carpet of the wild prairie; his hand 
had never plucked from this part of Nature's garden, the 
loveliest flowers, planted by Nature's bountiful hand. The 
hunting grounds and camping places of the red man were 
along the streams and certain beaten trails, where he could 
roam or rest unmolested. 

In the spring of 1848 a single emigrant wagon, contain- 
ing the household goods and gods of John Nevins, stopped 
on section 1, town 78, range 39, since known as the Charles 
Harper place, made a claim of the same and went to work 
to improve it. He built a little cabin, plowed up several 
acres of land and planted the first crop in Guthrie county. 
After gathering his corn in the fall, he w^ent with his family 
to visit friends in the "Fort,"' where he was obliged to 
remain until spring, on account of the snow which was 
quite deep and thickly crusted. This is said to be one of 
Iowa's severest winters, during which, much wild game per- 
ished, by reason of its severity. " There is no great loss 
without some small gain." Mr. Nevins' loss proved the 
gain and salvation of his neighbors in Dallas county, as. 



14 HISTORY OF GUTHKIE COUNTY. 

they, upon the verge of starvation, went to his crib and 
with hand-sleds drew the corn home, and with the "hominy" 
made therefrom, drove the wolf from their doors. These 
neighbors were Leroy Lambert, John Hayes, Jerome Paige, 
David Daily and a Mr. Randolph, all living in Dallas 
county. 

In 1847, Benjamin Kunkle removed from Champaign 
county, Ohio, to Wapello county, Iowa, but his ideal of 
home and country had not been realized to him there j so 
in the fall of 1848 he came farther west; on and on he came, 
over the almost boundless prairie, across the clear, purling 
streams, past occasional farm houses and hamlets, and 
leaving the latter miles behind him, he finally reached his 
present place, where, with thanks to the All-father, who 
had guided his steps hither, he rested from his journeyings, 
staked out a claim and determined to make this a home — 
his home. 

With him came a Mr. Parrott, who also made a claim, but 
who never returned to " claim " it. Here in solitude and 
in silence, with no companions, save his horses and his 
dog; with no roof but his " covered wagon " to shelter him; 
with no table upon which to partake of his plain meals of 
corn bread and bacon, prepared by his own hands, save 
the green earth, but with willing hands and a brave heart, 
he went to work to prepare a home for his loved ones. 

Here he built a cabin and made such improvements as 
were necessary to prove his sincerity in taking his claim 
and to entitle him to hold the same. This being done he 
returned to Wapello to spend the winter with his family, 
intending to bring them to the new home the ensuing 
spring, but the high waters prevented this, and he was 
obliged to remain until the latter part of August, when he 
started westward, arriving at his place on the first day of 
September, 1849. 

Though the cabin was built, it had neither door nor win- 
dow and they were obliged to wait on the outside until a 
•<loor could be sawed out, at least a doorway; the door 



HISTORY OF GLTHRIE COUNTY. 15 

"being a blanket hung on nails. They made their beds 
upon the ground, there being no floor in the cabin, and 
slept sweetly in their own home. 

The family arose early the next morning and went out to 
view their newly acquired possessions. The cabin stood in 
a little grove, beyond wdiich, to the eastward, ran a little 
stream ; away beyond and in every direction stretched the 
beautiful, undulating prairie, the tall, rank grass, still 
fresh and green, dotted with gorgeous autumn flowers, 
while here and there might be seen a deer or an elk bounding 
away in all his native grace and freedom. The prospect 
that met their eyes was indeed enchanting and with hearts 
full of gratitude, that they had found a country so beautiful, 
and so blest by Nature, they began the duties of the day— 
of a new life, as it were. 

Though they entered upon this new life wath true courage, 
think not, happy reader of to-day, that their's w^as a life of 
sunshine; oh, no: far from it. It was one of privation and 
toil, x,nd though the beacon of Hope ever upheld and sus- 
tained them, small w^onder is it, that its light sometimes 
grew dim, or that their hearts were sometimes oppressed to 
the verge of despair, by homesickness and loneliness. 

As " necessity is the mother of invention," so the neces- 
sity of finding a more convenient and comfortable place than 
the ground upon which to sleep, produced the " prairie 
bunk," which consisted of two poles, usually hickory, the 
ends of which were laid on a log at either side of the cabin, 
extending across one end of it, with slats of smaller poles; 
sometimes, however, they made an old fashioned " cord 
bed," using basswood bark for the cord. This made a 
double bed, the walls making the head pannels; foot pan- 
nels they did without. 

A packing box answered the purpose of a table, while 
their chairs consisted of smaller boxes of the same kind, 
and rough home-made stools. Their lights were " dips " 
made of deer suet. Deer were so plentiful that venison 



16 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

with the provision they were able to bring with them, con- 
stituted their food. 

On the first day of September, 1849, Mr. Knnkle and 
family arrived at their cabin; on the 12th day of Septem- 
ber, 1849, Mrs. Knnkle gave birth to the iirst white child 
born in the county, Malinda Jane, now the wife of G. W. 
Mount. Her's was a brave heart, who could thus leave a 
comfortable home and face the privations of pioneer life. 
No peans may be sung for her; no story written, extoling 
her bravery, nevertheless she is a true heroine and her just 
reward is certain. 

When Mr. Kunkle came, he brought with him the first 
hogs ever brought to the county. 

With Mr. K. came J. W. Cummins, who made a claim 
where Stevenson Mount now resides. He remained here 
but a short time, when he returned to Wapello, where he 
remained until the next spring, when he moved on his 
claim. In 1854, he moved to and improved the Carey Har- 
bor farm. In the spring of 1861 he came to his present 
place, which is well improved and cultivated. He has fine 
hedges, fine groves and a fine orchard. 

Mr. Cummins was born near Springfield, 111., educated 
himself, and came to Wapello county with his father In 
1847. He cast his first vote for president in 1852,^yoting for 
Scott; assisted in organizing the Repu:blican party; has 
been sheriff of Guthrie county three terms. One of Guth- 
rie's oldest citizens, he has been identified with everything 
that x'^ertains to her best interests and has the courage to do 
what his judgment dictates is right. With the aid of an 
intelligent and lovely wife, he makes his home a model of 
hospitality. 

In the fall of 1850, came Abraham Moore, Samuel Moore, 
Fred Fry, James Moor^ and Benjamin Denslow, eacli of 
whom made claims and erected cabins thereon, and with the 
exception of Samuel Moore and Fred Fry, who had their 
families with them, moved on their claims in the spring of 
1851. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 17 

The claim of Fred Fry was the one " staked off" by Mr. 
Parrott, who did not return to it, so Mr. F. was at liberty 
to "jump " it. This is now the J. J. Morris farm. 

In February, 1850, John Davis made a claim of what is 
now the Culbertson farm. He has since (in 1864) removed 
to Oregon. The same year came Conrad Brumbaugh, 
Andrew Brumbaugh, Theophilus Bryan, John Van Order, 
Jacob Van Order, J. Schellhart, Michael Leinart, David 
Bay, Michael Mock, Daniel Messinger, George Messinger, 
Joseph Kicks and Nicholas Hartman. 

Conrad Brumbaugh came in May, 1^50, and made a 
claim, half a mile west of Panora, where his son Henry 
now lives. 

John and Jacob Van Order made claims; the former, 
where John Cline now resides, the latter, where Peter 
Batchelet's home now is. 

Theophilus Bryan, bought the claim of John Van Order 
and afterward that of Jacob Van Order, familiarly called 
Jake. Mr. Bryan came in March, 1851. 

Andrew Brumbaugh made a claim of what is since 
known as the Silas Harper farm. He, as well as John Van 
Order, has since removed to Oregon, while Conrad Brum- 
baugh and Jacob Van Order have been removed to where 
claims and cabins are supposed to form no part of their 
possessions. 

J. Schellhart made a claim of what is now known as the 
Hosier place, which passed into the hands of J. Anderson, 
then to Abraham Hosier, and is now owned by Col. Nichols. 
Mr. S. left the county years ago and no one knows where 
he is. 

Michael Mock made a claim where Rev. S. Anderson 
now resides. Mr. Mock is now living in Polk county. 

David Bay (for whom Bay's Branch was named) settled 
on the T. Roberts place. He went to Texas several years 
ago, where he died. 
Michael and George Messinger made claims; the former 



18 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

on what is now tlie John Allen Wasson farm, and the latter 
in the same vicinity. 

Solomon Messinger made a claim where J. White now 
resides. Michael, too, followed the star of empire to its 
utmost limits — Oregon. 

The present farm of Jas. Foster was claimed by Nathan 
Maynard. Joseph Ricks also made a claim near the Brum- 
bangh mill. 

Nicholas Hartman, too, made a claim, but went to Cal- 
ifornia several years ago; however, he discovered that Iowa 
was good enough for him, and he returned to Dallas^ 
county, where he now resides. 

Of all those who came in 1S50, Henry Brumbaugh and 
wife, who were then children, and Michael Leinart and 
family, are all that are left in this part of the county, Cass 
township, while of the settlement made in Jackson, Mr. 
Kunkle, J. W. Cummins, Benj. Denslow, Sam. Moore and 
J. W. York, are all that remain of those who came pre- 
vious to 1851. 

In May, 1850, Michael Leinart bought a claim of David 
Bay, which is the old Leinart farm, south-east of Panora. 
In November, of the same year, moved his family from the 
old homestead in Dearborn, Indiana. On his way hither, be 
stopped with friends in Wapello county, who remonstrated 
against his bringing his children where they would receive 
no education. But he was not to be dissuaded from his 
purpose. Though, like most of the old settlers, their 
purses were light, yet their hearts were brave and their pur- 
pose fixed. Their first residence was a shanty, but the pros- 
pect of a brighter and better future, made it a happy home, 
even amid the hardships of pioneer life. What though 
an occasional pang of homesickness clouded the hour, 
or the dismal howl of the wolf, brought before them, with 
a vividness they could not relish, their isolated condition; 
what though the larder was sometime empty and many 
seeming discouragements presented themselves, their un- 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. !&• 

bounded faith in the future prosperity and enlightenment 
of this fair land, enabled them to accept the situation 
hopefulh', if not at all times . cheerfull}^, and in time to sur- 
mount all difficulties. Neither did they borrow trouble 
concerning the education of their two children, Valentine 
and Saranda. On the 21st day of January, 1851, a second 
daughter, Mary, now the wife of Jesse Johnson, of Panora, 
was born to them. When she was fifteen years old, she 
received a first-class certificate and taught a district school 
and she had never been to school out of the county either. 
She has since been a successful teacher, and her father and 
mother have just cause for self-gratulation, on their judg- 
ment in selecting a home, as they certainly have nothing to 
regret on the score of educational facilities, of which I will 
speak hereafter. 

Not long since an old settler inquired of me, "How are 
times in Stuart now?" "Well, really I do not know; 
everybody is complaining of hard times." "Hard times, 
indeed! it disgusts me to hear the croakers of to-day com- 
plaining of hard times, small houses, lack of money, etc. 
Bless your soul, I wish you could have lived here in the 
early days of our county; you'd be ashamed to say hard 
times now. Why, there were times when we were fortu- 
nate, if we had half a bushel of corn or a bushel of pota- 
toes in the house." 

The first year of their arrival here was devoted to pre- 
paring the land for the next year's crop. After turing the 
sod over or breaking the prairie, if done early enough in 
the season, they raised a crop of sod corn, which was good 
only for stock; the next spring they put in a crop of wheat, 
or corn, so they must wait over a year to realize anything 
from their own industry, at least until they could have any 
kind of grain of their own raising. 

Those who brought wheat or corn, flour or meal with 
them, fared well for a time, but those who failed to do so, 
sometimes suffered. 



■20 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

The nearest mill was below Winterset in Warren county. 
from which nearly all their breadstuff's were drawn by ox 
"teams. As the distance was great, the streams not [bridged 
and. in high waters impassable, and as oxen travelled 
slowly any way, as soon as they could get 'round to it, an 
occasional settler constructed something that answered the 
purposes of a mill. One made by Mr. Kunkle, consisted 
of a large concave stone fixed permanently on the ground 
and another, convex, made to revolve in this, by horse 
power. A still more primitive arrangement was Andrew 
Brumbaugh's mill, which differed from the other, in that it 
was operated by men and women; a pole was tixed, one 
end in the upper stone and the other in the ceiling, by which 
they turned the mill. 

Abram Moore owned a large coffee mill and several of 
the neighbors ground their corn upon that. They also 
ground corn, wheat and buckwheat upon the ordinary fam- 
ily coffee mill. 

Many families, among whom was that of Mr. Denslow, 
lived on corn, with an occasional meal of wild meat for 
nearly two years. For some time after they raised a crop of 
wheat they lived on bread and turnips, the only variety or 
luxury being salt. When they came to Guthrie, their 
worldly possessions consisted of a team of horses and ten 
dollars in money. Mr. Denslow came in the fall of 1850, 
and made a claim on Sec. 4, T. 79, R. 30. In the spring 
he moved his family, and April 20, 1851, he made another 
claim on Sec. 35, T. 78, R. 30. 

They lived, as did the rest of the old settlers, in a cabin, 
with the usual prairie bed, "made" table and benches. They 
are now well-to-do. Mrs. Denslow is yet hale and hearty, 
full of life and energy, and as I remarked to her the only 
time I ever saw her, " She seemed to have grown fat over 
the haid times." "Oh," she replied, "it is all over now 
and we can afford to laugh, but I tell you it looked i^retty 
blue sometimes then." 

The experience of one old settler is substantially the 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 21 

experience of all old settlers, so we give that of those, 
whose history we are most familiar with. 

In 1S4S the first settlement was made. In September, 
1849, the first birth occurred. To the first settler nearly 
two years had rolled peacefully away, though not without 
its hardships and privations, and in August, 1850, this 
liandful of people was called upon to perform the last sad 
rites over the remains of their neighbor, a Mr. M'Cullough,. 
who died in a cabin, which stood near the present site of 
Pearson's mill. A rude box, made by kind neighbors, was 
his coffin; a sheet furnished b}'" Mrs. Kunkle, his shroud; 
the hearse, an old cart drawn by a yoke of oxen, and his 
final resting place, a beautiful bluff near Morrisburg. 
Slowly through the timber and over the prairie, to the place 
prepared for the reception of the mortal M'Cullough, the 
funeral procession wended its way. Without a word they 
lowered the coffin; in silence they covered it with the clods, 
and in silence returned to their cabins. Though no oration 
was said and no sermon preached, yet that reverential 
silence, their manful tenderness and their silent, heartfelt 
prayers, as they committed their fellow-man to the kind 
embrace of mother earth, were quite as acceptable in the 
sight of God. Though no stone marks his resting place, 
while his pall-bearers live, he will not be wholly forgotten. 

The winter of 1849-50 being very severe and feed scarce, 
many of the cattle died, and the work cattle that lived 
through, were so reduced as to be unable to draw the plow 
to break up the prairie sod for the spring crop, so the set- 
tlers were obliged to go the weedy bottoms along the 'Coon 
river and plant a sufficient quantity of corn to keep the 
wolf from their door, until they could open out their 
claims. 

In 1850 the land in the western part of the state was sur- 
veyed by the Government, it having been previously pur- 
chased of the Indians, who made their exit from Guthrie 
in 1849, their ugly moccasin tracks in their serpent trails 
being scarcely obliterated when our first settlers airived. 
2 



22 inSTOKY OF GUTHKIE COUNTY. 

A few of them still remained, who Indian-like, stole some 
horses from Dallas county and made good their escape, 
but were captured at Kanesville and the horses recovered. 
Ever since its settlement the county has been visited by 
roving bands of some tribe, for the purpose of hunting and 
selling their furs, who do no harm except begging and 
stealing what they can, and casting a general feeling of 
repugnance over the community where they happen to stop. 
I recall a laughable incident connected with one of their 
visits. A band of Musquakas camped west of Panora; 
every day squads of them would go through town, stop- 
ping at every house to beg. 

Previous to this, an enthusiastic philanthropist said she 
would like nothing better than to have a negro family on 
one side of her and an indian family on the other; she 
would take so much pleasure in civilizing them. Very 
evidently she had, like all the rest of us, been reading Pope's 
"Lo, the poor Indian," and perhaps Longfellow's "Hiawa- 
atha,"' and with the rest of us, her symj)atlnes were with 
the '' poor, abused Indian." When the Musquakas came 
to her house, they did not look very spirituelle, nor yet like 
the imaginary " noble red man of the forest." Thej' entered 
without permission and demanded something to eat. "With 
fear and trembling she collected everything she had pre- 
pared for her family and gave them. This did not satisfy 
them, and seeing a red and green quilt, such as our graud- 
iiiothers and our mothers delighted in, upon the bed, a 
squaw marched up and deliberately helped herself to it. 
The ladj^'s heart sank within her. "Ah," sighed she, men- 
tally, "there go hours, days, weeks; aye months of weary 
labor, and I dare not open my mouth. Alas, alas; what 
shall I dof Echo answered, alas, alas. After they had de- 
parted with her fancy bed-quilt and other things, she simply 
said, with a sigh of relief, " Surely distance lends enchant- 
ment."* 

Besides those already mentioned, who came to Guthrie 
county in 1851, were Addison and William Cave, who set- 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 23 

tied where tlipy now reside; Aaron Hougham on the Pear- 
son place; J. W. York, on the farm now owned by William 
Harvey, Sr.; Joseph Cave settled wh^t is now known as 
the Windowmaker farm; David Thompson, his present 
place; William Miler, the farm owned by LarkinManlsby; 
Henry Harper, the place where T. E. Harbor now resides; 
Oeo. Rohr, the place of Milton Harbor. S. G. Weeks 
took a claim, which is now the farm of W. T. Connor, and 
his son, A. G. AVeeks made a claim where John F. Branson 
lives. Hiram Haskins *• claimed'' the farm now owned by 
William Swisher, west of Dale City. This list, with those 
before named, embraces all that were living in the county 
south of middle Raccoon river at the date of its organiza- 
tion. 

Among those settling north of the river, or in the Leinart 
and Brumbaugh settlements, besides those already named, 
were John and Michael Messinger, T. M. Boyles, Wm. 
Grames and Asa Cox. 

In the dim twilight of a May evening, in 1S51, a solitary 
emigrant wagon halted at the cabin of Conrad Brumbaugh, 
and a little band of travellers, consisting of a man, his 
wife and two children, weary and travel-worn, were wel- 
comed to a home, as hospitable as kind hearts and ready 
hands could make it. These more than welcome guests, 
were Asa Cox and family, who had come west to seek a 

home. 

Mr. Brumbaugh, fortunately, had two cabins on his 
<;laim, one of which he generously offered them, rent free, 
as long as they desired to occupy it. Of this kind ofter 
Mr. Cox availed himself, remaining in the cabin until 1853. 
In 1853 Mr. Cox erected the residence now occupied by 
Lewis Harvout, which was the second house built in Pa- 

nora. 

While they yet lived on Mr. Brumbaugh's place, the two 
families possessed one cow in common; one would milk her 
in the morning and the other in the evening. Panooch and 
Des Moines supplied these settlers with groceries and dry 



24 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

goods. They frequently walked to Panoocb, a distance of 
twenty-five miles, for goods, which they carried upon their 
backs or drew upon. hand- sleds. 

This was a lonesome walk, as there was but one cabin, 
in 1S51, between Panooch and the present site of Panora. 
For flour and meal they went below Winterset and the 
Fort (Des Moines), and like all the old settlers, when they 
ran ashore, they ground their grain upon hand mills and 
coffee mills. 

In 1852 when Anderson's mill was approaching comple- 
tion, everybody depended upon its supplying them with 
breadstuffs, but the high waters prevented its being put in 
operation at the expected time, and for four weeks the good 
people lived upon potatoes and squashes. 

Mrs. Cox says the best meal she was ever privileged to 
partake of, was at the house of a neighbor, in 1851. She 
had been eating corn bread all summer long, and was per- 
haps a little tired of it. Her neighbor said she had some 
wheat and they would have a change. She ground the 
wheat upon her coffee mill and made graham gems, which 
were excellent and which were so grateful to Mrs. C.'s 
palate, she will never forget them. 

All the summer long she had lived in her cabin, without 
having seen a single traveller. One afternoon in October 
she looked away to the east, and there, oh, joyful sights 
was a covered wagon; they did not wait to see who w^ere its 
occupants, but ran to meet it. It contained a solitary man, 
and stranger though he was, he w^as welcomed with as much 
joy as would have been the dearest friend they ever knew. 
Said one of these pioneers, in relating this incident, " if I 
ever wept for joy, it was then. The first train of cars I 
ever saw was not so grand a sight as was that covered 
wagon. Never before, nor since, have I felt such emotions 
of pure delight.'' 

A valuable acquisition to the neighborhood was Aunt 
Polly, an aunt of Mrs. Cox, who was the good angel of all 
the households, especially in sickness. Was a neighbor 



X 



IIISTOKY OF GUTHRIE COU^s'TY 



25 



sick, Aunt Polly was sent for, and she, with kind heart and 
willing hands, was ever ready to ftive assistance and en- 
couragement. 

The old settlers lived peacefully, without political con- 
tentions or dissentions, until the summer of '51, when, by 
permission of the Legislature, their desire for self-govern- 
ment was gratified. 



ORGANIZATION OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

In the winter of 1850-51, the Legislature, then in session 
at Iowa City, divided the territory west of Dallas county 
into counties, and as it was a Democratic body, named our 
county after the great Democratic statesman of Kentucky, 

Guthrie. 

At this session, L. W. Babbitt, of Kanesville, and E. R. 
Guiberson, of Madison county, represented Marion, Polk, 
Dallas, Jasper, Marshall, Story, Boone, Warren, and Madi- 
son counties, as well as all the rest of the territory in western 

Iowa. 

Judge McKay, who was then judge of the 5th Judicial 
District, appointed Theophilus Bryan organizing sheriff for 
Guthrie county. On the 8th day of August, 1851, he pro- 
ceeded in his official capacity to divide the county into two 
townships, or election precincts, the line dividing them com- 
mencing where Middle 'Coon river crosses the east line of 
the county, and running along said river to the section line 
between sections 9 and 16, T. 79, R. 30, thence west to the 
west line of tl!e county. The north township was called 
Cass, the south Jackson. The place designated for holding 
elections in Cass was at the residence of Andrew Brum- 
baugh ; in Jackson at the residence of Fred Fry. 

The next thing in order was to post written notices, call- 
ing a county convention to nominate candidates for the 
different county offices, to be voted for at the ensuing 
election, which was to be held on the first Monday of August. 
The said convention was held at the cabin of Joseph Ricks, 



26 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

near the old Brumbangh mill, when the following nomina- 
tions were made : For County Jndge, T. Bryan ; County 
Clerk, S. G. Weeks ; Treasurer and Recorder, T. M. Boyles ; 
County Assessor, James Moore ; Prosecuting Attorney, 
Fred Fry ; County Surveyor, A. G. Weeks ; School Fund 
Commissioner, Aaron Hough am ; Inspector of Weights 
and Measures, Sam'l Moore ; Sheriff, Michael Messinger. 

At the August election they were all duly elected and 
qualified according to law. At this election, J. W. Cum- 
mins and Aaron Hougham were elected Justices of the 
Peace for Jackson township. At this time the population 
of the county was 222. The number of votes cast 39 — all 
Democratic, which would indicate, to those of like faith, 
that themillenium, politically speaking, was nearer at hand 
then than now. At the second election there were four 
Whigs in the count3% J. W. Cummins, J. H. Gander, John 
Anderson, and David Bay ; but as they were a hopeless 
minority, they had no ticket In the field. The names of 
those who voted at the first election are, in Jackson town- 
ship, Abraham Moore, James Moore, Samuel Moore, Benj. 
Moore, Fred Fry, H. Haskins, James Haskins, S. G. Weeks, 
A. G. Weeks, Aaron Hougham, J. W. York, Benj. Dens- 
low, Benj. Kunkle, G. W. Rohrer, J. Nevins, Henry Harper, 
Mathew Piper, J. W. Cummins, David Dailey, and Jerome 
Paige. The latter named two gentlemen lived in Dallas 
county, but it was more convenient for them to vote in 
Guthrie. Mr. Paige was elected constable for Jackson 
township, in which capacity he served for some time. At 
that time it was not considered "irregular" to select such 
officers from over the line ; or, as Guthrie was, previous to 
its organization, attached to Dallas for judicial and revenue 
purposes, perhaps they had formed a sort of second-cousin- 
hood and thought it was all in the family. 

Those voting at the first election in Cass township were : 
Michael Messinger, John Messinger, George Messinger, 
Daniel Messinger, David Bay, Michael Mock, Andrew Brum- 
baugh, Joseph Ricks, John Davis, T. M. Boyles, John 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 27 

Vanorder, Jacob Yanorder, Theopliilns Bryan, Micbael 
Leinart, Conrad Brumbaugh, NicJiolas Hartman, Wm. 
Grames, Peter Yandeventer, and Nathan Maynard. Of 
this number Mr. Leinart is the only one now remaining in 
the county. 

The iirst ballot box used in Cass was Aunt Hannah Bry- 
an's tea-pot. At the next election they had an oblong box 
of walnut sides and bass wood ends, made by Richard 
Gilbert. This latter is now in the possession of Mrs. Cyn- 
thia Campbell, who treasures it as a relic of by-gone 
days. 

At the first election in Cass, Mr. Leinart was elected a 
Justice of the Peace, but failed to qualify, and Nathan 
Maynard was appointed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Leinart 
was then elected Assessor for Cass, which ofiice he ac- 
cepted. 

The county being properl}^ officered, the next thing was to 
have a county seat, the site for which was selected and the 
same reported on, the 25th day of September, 1851, hy 
David Bishop, of Madison county, and Lewis Whitten, of 
Polk, commissioners appointed for the purpose by the 
Legislature of 1850-51. 

After looking the ground over and discussing the relative 
merits of the different localities, they finally selected S. E. 
i sec. 32-80 — 30. The original plat contained one hundred 
acres, with streets eighty feet wide. Several additions have 
since been made. 

Mr. Bishop was paid 814 and mileage, and Mr. Whitten 
S15 and mileage for services in locating the seat of justice. 
With regard to the naming of the place, there are two 
stories. The one is that Mr. Bishop had thought out the 
name of Panora before leaving home. The prettier and 
more likely story is tliis : Two travelers were standing on 
the hill southeast of this place, and as they took in the 
beautiful landscape — the wide-spreading prairie to the north 
and east, the river, with its wood-crowned bluffs, wind- 



28 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

ing around the west and south — tlie foliage at this time of 
the year being of the most gorgeous hue, for • 

"It was just after the death of the flowers, 

And before they were buried in snow, 
When had come that mystical season 

When nature is all aglow — 
Aglow with a thinly veiled splendor, 

More sweet than the brightness of spring- 
Aglow with a beauty more tender 

Than any the summer could bring !" 

One of them exclaimed, as the flitting clouds left the scene 
now in shadow and again in the soft, dream}'' light of the 
autumn sun, " What a beautiful panorama !'' The expres- 
sion, with a slight abbreviation, suggested itself as an 
appropriate name for the newly created county seat. Even 
if we were compelled to divest the name of its romantic 
associations, it is musical, and the location such as would 
warrant an enthusiast in weaving as many and as fanciful 
stories as he chose concerning it. 

The first building erected in Panora w^as the present resi- 
dence of Louis Harvout, by Asa Cox, now deceased. 
Perhaps precedence should be given to the little log cabin 
which stood on the lot now owned by John Boblett, as the 
logs were drawn on the ground in 1851 by Michael Linhart. 
In 1852, just previous to the building of the Cox house, 
Abram Hursche, a Frenchman, bought the logs and built 
the cabin. The next building, and the one wherein the 
first hotel w^as kept, by Mr. Samuel Harris, is the one 
now occupied by James Harris as a residence, and was 
built in 1853. Previous to the building of this hotel, 
however. Judge Bryan commenced the erection of the i^res- 
ent Roberts house, wdiicli w\is then intended for a residence, 
but was used as both residence and dry goods store. 

The first stock of goods brought to the county was by 
Judge Bryan, in 1852, and consisted of a barrel of molas- 
ses, a sack of coffee, two or three pants patterns, and a few 
other things, which were kept at his residence, on the John 
Cline place. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 29 

The first general store (including whiskey, which was 
called groceries) was opened in the little cabin above refer- 
red to, in 1853, by Abram Hursche and Thomas Turner. 

The first carpenter in the county was Richard Gilbert, 
who came to Panora in 1853. 

In 1854, Bryan and Craig opened a general store in what 
is now the bar room of the Roberts house. 

In 1855, Michael Rosebrugh opened a hotel or boarding 
house in the Dr. Gustine house. 

The first school house was built and the first school taught 
by a Dr. Sloan, in 1853. 

The first church was built in 1856 by the Presbyterian 
Mission Society of New York, who sent one Harmon here 
as a missionary to preach to the heathen. The church was 
20x28 feet in size, and stood on the east side of Court 
House square. It w^as used as a church and Court House 
— (here is where McFarland held his famous courts) — for 
two or three years, when it was converted into a dwelling, 
then a wagon shop, and, finally, Dan Hardy bought and 
used it as a blacksmith shop. It is at present used for the 
same purpose by Mr. Warner. This Rev. Mr. Harmon 
was thought by Panorites to be quite as much in need of a 
missionary's instructions as were those he pretended to 
enlighten. He built the under-ground house, known as the 
' ' ground-hog house." He dug a cellar, put a frame inside 
of it, intending some time to raise it up, and put a stone 
wall under it ; but he had a w^ay of never finishing w^hat he 
begun, and the house, what is left of it, is under ground 
still. It may be interesting to new-comers to know" what 
kind of team Brother Harmon drove — two milch cows with 
an Indian pony as '•lead." 

The first permanently located blacksmith was Lucien 
Hogelin, who came to Panora in 1853, and started a black- 
smith shop in '54. 

In 1855, Daniel Hardy came to Panora and commenced 
blacksmithing in an old stable that stood on the w^est end 
of the present site of J. C line's store building. The stable 



30 HISTOEY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

was made of slabs, and, though it contained no windows, it 
let in the rain and daylight all over. Blacksmithing must 
have been a good business in those days, as Mr. H. made 
the first month 8108, over and above all expenses, including 
household ; as flour was then selling at $6.75 per hundred 
weight, and other things in proportion, this was no small 
item. Merchants, at this time, brought their flour from 
Skunk river, and other goods from Keokuk- and other 
points on the Mississippi. As these were almost invari- 
ably drawn by ox teams, four or five weeks of time were 
necessary to make the trip. If, in the mean time, the sup- 
ply of tea and coffee ran out in some families, those more 
fortunate shared with them their little store, while tobacco 
chewers passed 'round the " plug," taking a smaller bite 
each time, until it was " all chawed up and spit away," and 
then — poor martyrs — (ladies, you who had to live with 
them, I am sorry for you, but please don't tell the aforesaid 
martyrs that I said so.) 

In 1855, there were four dry goods, or general stores, kept, 
respectively, by Bryan, Craig, Boblett and Powell. The 
latter " kept store" in the " old shingle house," which was 
made of boards or shingles, split out of the timber with 
an ax. 

John Cline started the first plow and wagon shop in the 
county in the spring of 1856. In the autumn of the same 
year he succeeded Judge Bryan in the dry goods trade, and 
" held forth" in "Phil's^' bar-room. Mr. Cline is now in a 
building 24x60, two stories and basement. The upper story 
is used for Masonic and Odd Fellows' Hall. 

This building was erected in 1873 at a cost of $5,000. 
This is one of the best buildings of the kind in the county, 
and Cline and sons have, by strict attention to business, 
and to the wants of customers, become one of the most 
popular houses in thecounty. Mr. Cline came here in '55. 

In 1856, S. Zinn established a general store in the Good- 
speed building, where the first treasury was kept. In 1860, he 
took H. Culbertson in as a partner ; in 1864, sold to Hoover 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 31 

and Cbas. Zinn, who were succeeded in 1867 by Zinn and 
Thompson. In 1872, Mr. Thompson went to St. Joseph; 
Mo., and returned to Panora in 1874, where he now is, 
engaged in the same business, which has increased largely, 
and is now in a very flourishing condition ; stock kept 
fully up to the time, and goods sold at popular prices. 

In 1869, Chas. Woodworth succeeded V. M. Lahman in 
the dry goods business. In 1872, he erected a substantial 
brick building, and in 1873, took M. Woodworth as a part- 
ner, and added to their stock hardware, groceries, clothing, 
and millinery. They then occupied three store rooms. In 
1876, sold the grocery department to Trent Bros. They also 
sell agricultural implements. 

J. J. Jones came to Panora in 1856, and went into the dry 
goods trade with Judge Bryan. He has alternated the 
business with farming ever since ; has been in the store 
since 1872. 

In 1854, A. Saltzman came to Panora from Indiana, and 
commenced the manufacture of boots and shoes, which he 
continued until 1867, when he established a grocery store. 
In 1872, he was succeeded by Lahman and Saltzman, and 
retired for a short time, when he again went into business, 
which he expects to continue. 

Lahman and Saltzman, grocers, on the corner of Main 
and Union streets, succeeded A. Saltzman in 1872 ; have 
built up a large grocery trade, and merit their success. 

Trent Brothers, grocers, succeeded Woodworth Brothers 
in April, 1876. The Messrs. Trent are old settlers, having 
come to the county in 1856. Having been engaged in farm- 
ing, they are entitled to their share of credit in the develop- 
ment of Guthrie county. 

The only furniture store in Panora is that of W. H. 
Burns, successor to the Panora Furniture Company, which 
he bought out in 1871, and built the house he now occupies. 
He carries a good stock, and is doing a good business. He 
also owns a farm of a half section two miles northeast of 
town. Mr. Burns, during the late war, served in the Ninth. 



32 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

N". Y. Regiment — Zouave — was wounded at Antietam, after 
which he was appointed lieutenant of a reserve corps. 

Jackson and Garlow, hardware dealers, successors to J. 
L. Grace. This store was established in 1863 by William 
Maxwell, who was succeeded in 1865 by Maxwell and 
Brumbaugh, who in turn were succeeded by J. L. Grace, 
who sold to the present firm in 1875. Mr. Jackson is one of 
the long settlers. He came with his father, W. T. Jackson, 
in November, 1852. Mr. Jackson bought the present J. 
Oline farm of Judge Bryan. In 1853, he bought of Marshall 
Craig the farm where he now resides. 

Panora has two drug stores. That of Pentecost and 
Hayden w^as established in July, 1868. In 1871, they built 
a good two story and basement frame building, 20x60 ft. 
They make use of the entire building, carrying the largest 
stock in the county. In the rear of the store they have an 
office, nicely fitted up, and which communicates with the 
bank. This is the oldest drug firm in the county. 

In March, 1875, S. M. Curtis succeeded Dr. Gustine in the 
drug trade. The doctor opened the business in 1872. 

Hart Roberts commenced manufacturing boots and shoes 
in 1868 ; put in a stock in September, 1875. Mr. Roberts 
came to Panora in 1856 with his father, Andrew Roberts, 
who was a Methodist minister. The building occupied by 
Mr. Roberts was put up in 1855 by A. Saltzman, and used 
as a shoe shop and dwelling ; size 16x16. 

J. E. Wagner, boot and shoemaker, commenced business 
in 1869. 

Jno. Wiedman came to Panora in December, 1868, and 
commenced the manufacture of boots and shoes ; keeps a 
shop on the southeast corner of Main street. 

A. McGrew, grocer, commenced in 1869, second door from 
the corner of Vine, on Main street. 

Woodworth and Fountain, dressmakers, since May, 
1876. 

Mrs. S. J. Chase, millinery and notions, west of Court 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 33 

House square, commenced in the fall of 1871. This is the 
only establishment of the kind in Panora. 

Panora has one jeweler, A. G. Peck, who commenced in 
1873. 

She has four blacksmiths, L. Hogelin, already spoken of, 
Sylvester Jasinsky, who began in 1869 ; E. Warner, in the 
old Presbyterian church, in 1874 ; and 1. Warner, carriage 
maker and blacksmith, on the corner of Main and Vine 
street, in 1S73. 

Wm. Fisher, wagon maker, since 1867. 

I. Deardorff, harness and saddlery, commenced in July, 
1873. 

The Roberts house was opened in the spring of 1864, by 
Philip Roberts, the present proprietor, and is the only hotel 
in town. This is head-quarters for all the hack lines — ^to 
Stuart, Guthrie Centre, Jefferson, Carrolton, Adel, and 
Perry. Mr. Roberts also keeps a livery and feed stable 
and several fast horses, the finest of which is Bashaw, or 
Guthrie Boy. 

J. R. Powell, real estate agent, came to Panora in 1855, 
and opened a general store, in which he continued for three 
years, when he removed to Dallas county and went to farm- 
ing. In 1866, engaged In the real estate business ; came 
back to Panora in the spring of 1876, and continues in the 
same business. 

Lewis Harvout, also a real estate dealer, came to Panora 
in May, 1854. The same year, was appointed Treasurer 
and Recorder, to fill a vacancy. At the same time he 
taught the school (the second ever taught in Panora) at the 
enormous salary of $12.50 per month. He attended to the 
duties of the treasurer's office mornings, noons, evenings, 
and Saturdays (I am not informed how late he worked 
Saturday nights.) He taught the school for two or three- 
years. 

The Guthrie County Bank was organized in January, 
1875, with S. D. Nichols, president ; L. J. Pentecost, cash- 
ier ; Geo. H. Moore, E. J. Reynolds, and O. B. Hayden,. 



34 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

directors. This bank is doing a prosperous business on a 
" solid basis." When a dividend is declared — which is 
done every six months — the dividend at once becomes capi- 
tal. Nothing is ever taken cut, each member having ample 
means besides the bank. The president, Col. Nichols, was 
born in Middlesex county, N. J. Came to Guthrie county 
in 1857, and has practiced his profession — that of law. In 
1866, he was elected District xlttorne}^ of this district. In 
the late war he served four years in the Fourth Iowa In- 
fantry, entering the service as lieutenant, and going through 
all the promotions up to colonel, which rank he held at the 
close of the war. He is our present State Senator, the first 
Outhrie county has had. By his untiring industry and 
close attention to business, he has acquired a large amount 
of property. 

L. J. Pentecost is a native of Indiana ; came to Panora 
in 1868. Mr. Pentecost, too, served in the war of the rebel- 
lion, enlisting in the Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry in 1861 ; 
was wounded at the battle of Stone River. After he fell, 
the enemy fought over him all day, and supposing they 
"'had him" anj" way, paid no particular attention to his 
removal. They left him a little too long, however, and our 
boys picked him up when the rebels were driven back. 
After this he was retained in the medical service in Nash- 
ville. 

O. B. Hayden was born in Indiana, and educated at As- 
l^ury University ; came to Panora in July, 1868. He served 
in the Ninth Indiana Cavalry; enlisted as a private in 
1863. In 1864, he was promoted, for meritorious service, to 
the rank of captain, which rank none filled more gallantly 
than Capt. Hayden. 

E. J. Reynolds came to Guthrie county, from Indiana, in 
1852, and has been engaged in farming. He is sewing his 
third term as treasurer of the county, which speaks well for 
Mr. Reynolds, as, if he were not an efficient officer, looking 
well to the people's money (if you touch my money you 
touch me,) he would not be so long retained in office. 



HISTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 35 

George H. Moore was born in Virginia, in 1827; moved 
to Ohio when six years of age; came to Guthrie county in 
1865. Mr. Moore owns a fine farm of seven hundred acres 
of land, over three hundred of which are improved and wsll 
cultivated. He has a nice home, and is one of Guthrie's 
substantial citizens, and said to be her wealthiest. 

The first physician that ever lived in the county was Dr. 
Er. H. Rust, who came to Panora in the autumn of '53. He 
is now living in Redfield, Dallas county. In the winter of 
'54, came Dr. Curry; in the spring of the same year, Dr. 
Jno. W. Gustine, who practiced here (with the exception of 
a short time, during which he was in the drug business, in 
Des Moines) until the fall of 1875, when he removed to Car- 
roll county, where he owns a large farm, and is engaged in 
stock raising. 

Physicians practicing in Panora and vicinity at present 
are Drs. Reynolds, Shreeves, and Drumeler. 

Dr. Reynolds is an old settler, having come to the county 
in '53. He was born in Owen county, Indiana, and educaled 
at the Eclectic Institute, Cincinnati; has been in practice for 
thirteen years. 

Dr. T. J. Shreeves, a native of Illinois, was educated at 
Rush Medical Collegn. The doctor has practiced his pro- 
fession for twenty years. He came to Panora in March, 
1875. 

Last, but not least, is Dr. C. M. Drumeler, a native of 
Virginia, who came to Panora in May, 1876. He was edu- 
cated at the State University of Missouri, and St. Louis 
Medical College. 

As stated in another place, the first school house was 
built in Panora in 1853, and the first public school in the 
county taught in the fall of the same year, by a Dr. Sloan. 
The same year, the first Sabbath school — Union — was 
organized by Rev. John De Moss, and was held in the 
school house. 

The M. E. Church Society was organized in 1852, with a 
membership of twelve. Service was held at the residence of 



36 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

the members until the completion of the school house. 
Their first church building was erected in 1857, on Church 
street, being the house that now does duty as a residence 
for J. Swartz. Their first minister was a Mr. Mason. In 
1869, the society erected a good brick building on Main 

street. Present membership, seventy; minister, Rev. 

O'Flyng. 

The U. B. Church was organized in 1852; the house built 
in 1861. 

The Church of Christ, at Panora, was organized in 1854, 
under the evangelistic labors of Elder Clayborn Wright, of 
Green county. Benj. Mitchell and Alex. Wasson were 
chosen elders, and Wm. C. Jones, deacon. About the 
year 1858, the church was divided, and the place of holding- 
meetings was changed to McClaran's school house, for a 
time, when it was changed back to Panora. In 1874, they 
erected a building 32x52, which is the only church — this 
being the only society of this faith — in the county. They 
commenced with but few members, but have steadily in- 
creased to a membership of one hundred and sixty-seven. 
This is the new branch of the Christians, or Campbellites. 

The Presbyterian Church was organized under the mis- 
sionar}^ labors of Rev. Mr. Harmon, in 1856. 

The Baptist Church was organized August 21, 185S, by 
Elders J. A. Nash, of Des Moines, and T. S. Griffith, of 
Dubuque, with twenty two members. In 1871, the society 
commenced the erection of a church edifice in Panora; but 
the hurricane of that year injured it to such an extent that 
the society — being small and financially weak — was unable 
to repair and finish it, so they sold it to the Cumberland 
Presbyterians, who now own it. There are five Baptist so- 
cieties in the county, with two church buildings — one at 
Guthrie Centre; and one three miles east of Panora — 
both supplied by the Rev. Mr. Fish, of Guthrie Centre. 

Most of the above religious societies have fiourishing 
Sabbath schools. 

The public schools, under the supervision of I. Miller, 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 37 

principal, with Mr. Hemphill and Mr. Chase as assistants, 
are also in a nourishing condition, and fnlly up to the de- 
mands of the times. 

The first white child, born in Panora, was John, son of 
Samuel and Elizabeth Harris, born in '54:. 

The first marriage was that of James Harris and Nancy 
Ritz, same year. 

Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 145, was organized October 
17th, 1SC7. 

Pioneer Lodge, No. 121, A. F. and A. M., was organized, 
under dispensation, October ISth, 1857. Petitioners, Bro- 
thers M. F. Gerard, Thos. Roberts, S. E. Zinn, Levi Wil- 
liamson, Richard Gilbert, Jos. Roberts, Nathan Goslen, N. 
B. Linbach, and Theodore Parrish. 

M. F. Gerard was elected W. M. 
Thos. Roberts " " S. W. 
S. E. Zinn '' " J. W. 

Jos. Roberts " " Treas. 

Nathan Goslen " ' " S. D. 

Levi Williamson " '' J. D. 
Richard Gilbert '' " Tyler. 
Was organized, under charter, June 2, 1858, by electing 
the following officers: 

Thos Roberts, W-.M. 
S. E. Zinn, S. W. 
Nathan Goslen, J. W. 
Jos. Roberts, Treas. 
N. B. Linbach, Sect. 
Daniel Hardy, S. D. 
Theo. Parrish, J. D. 
Phil. Roberts, Tyler. 
Richard Gilbert, Steward. 
This is the first lodge organized in the county. Present 
membership, fifty-eight. 

Panora rejoices in an Anti-Profanity Association; some- 
thing that every town and neighborhood might profit by, as 
profanity, and especially " slang," are largely on the in- 
3 



38 HISTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

crease. We read and hear so much of it, that even ladies 
are tempted to emphasize their opinions by an occasional 
" slang" word, or phrase. The anti-Profanity Association 
of Panora numbers forty-five members, with Miles Wood- 
worth as President; I. Miller, Vice-President; O. B. 
Hayden, Treasurer; Lew Apple, Secretary. Of the fifteen 
articles of the constitution of this association, I select the 
following: 

Article 1st. ''This association shall be known as the 
' Panora Anti-Profanity Association,' and shall have for its 
object the inculcation of a language, purified of oaths and 
expletives, and the dissemination of tracts for that pur- 
pose. 

Art. 2d. "The members of this association shall be citi- 
zens of the State of Iowa, and between the ages of fifteen 
and one hundred years, who shall have signed the constitu- 
tion and by-laws and subscribed to the confession of faith, 
herewith attached. 

Art. 9th. " As soon as profanity is no more in the land, 
this association will be without a mission,"' etc. 

By-Laws. — Article 1. All expressions are prohibited 
wherein the name of Deity is used in any than a reverential 
sense, and with the homage due from man to his Creator. 
The following expressions are prohibited : " Darned," 
"Darn it," "Dern," " Dern it," "Holy cats,' "By gad," 
"Holy Moses," "By George," "By Godfrey," "Dog on 
it," "By jingo," " Jumping Jehosaphat," etc., etc. 

Since its organization, the society has contributed over 
one thousand tracts. 

Panora has the oldest newspaper in the county, " The 
Yedette," a history of which is given elsewhere. Its editor. 
Lew Apple, was born in Elk county, Pennsylvania; came 
to West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, in 1857, where he 
remained until the breaking out of the rebellion in 1861, 
when ho enlisted, serving, in the Twenty -first and Twelfth 
Indiana Regiments. He came to Panora in 1868, since 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 39 

which time he has edited ''The Vedette" without change or 
intermission. 

The early history of the Post OflSce is given elsewhere. 
As stated, it was first kept by Mr. Jno. Anderson at his 
cabin; then by Judge Bryan, at his cabin. The first build- 
ing, used exclusively for a Post Office, was the little frame 
that stands on the south side of Dr. Gustine's lot; in size, 
8x8. 

This was made a Money Order Office August 1st, 1S70. 
The average annual amount of money order business is 
from S2S,0(»0 to 830,000; is the separating office for six 
different routes — two daily and four semi-weekly; supplies 
twelve different offices. D. Brown, the present pleasant and 
accommodating Post Master, came to Panora in 1866. He 
worked at the tailor's trade till 1867, when he was appointed 
to his present position. Though ever ready to oblige a 
friend or neighbor, none sticks more closely to his own 
business. 

Panora was incorporated in 1872. Its present officers? are: 
Mayor, J. D. Lennon; Recorder, O. B. Hayden; Treasurer, 
W. H. Burns; Councilmen, Lew Harvout, T. Henderson, 
J. A. Thompson, Isaac \Yarner, John Wiedman. 

Though Panora is without railroad facilities, she has the 
advantages — from a mctral standpoint — over some of the 
other towns. She has no saloons, which is, indeed, a 
*' feather in her cap." She has the High School, the ad- 
vantages of which are so fully appreciated by every intelli- 
gent reader, that enumeration here would be superfluous. 
And for a basis (if I may use the expression), she has the 
products of one of the finest agricultural regions in Iowa. 

John Anderson, father of Rev. Samuel Anderson, built 
the first mill in the State, west of Des Moines, in the autumn 
of 1852, sawing the lumber therefor with a whip saw. The 
same year, it was converted into a flouring mill, and as 
isoon as it was put in operation, and the water in the 
streams had fallen sufficiently to be forded, teams, to the 
number of five or six at a time, came from Council Bluffs 



/ 



40 HISTORY OF GUTHKIE COUiNTY. 

and the "Fort,"' from Jeflerson and from neighborhoods, 
for many miles around, being frequently obliged to remain 
several days before they could be served. 

They now had a mill, but they did not always have 
wheat or corn, especially during the tirst year of their resi- 
dence here. To illustrate the necessary economy and man- 
agement practiced in the early days, I will tell you how 
Mr. Vanorder obtained his " bread.'' He made shingles 
and hauled them to Mr. Boone, near Booneville, and traded 
them for wheat; and previous to the erection of the Ander- 
son mill, he took his wheat to Griser's mill, ten miles below 
the Fort, to have it ground. 

The Anderson mill is now owned by Hanyon and Nichols; 
at least the site is. The mill has all been changed, to suit 
the demands of the constantly increasing population. 

As this chapter will, necessarily, be somewhat miscel- 
laneous, the reader will excuse me if I make a hodge-podge 
of grist mills and churches; beer saloons and school 
houses; politics and religion, etc., as, were I to make such 
division or separation as would be desirable in a History, 
I would have more chapters than ideas or incidents. It is 
true, sudden transitions of emotion are not always pleasant; 
but if I should jumj) suddenly from a wedding to a funeral, 
you must blame circumstances, not me. 

Having obtained your permission to garble the doings of 
the old settlers, I will begin by explaining that though Scott 
had but four votes in Guthrie county, in the election of '52, 
he had more admirers, as I will prove to you. A hickory 
pole had been raised in Court House square to celebrate the 
election of President Pierce. Lydia Cox, who a short time 
previous, was married to Walter Tuttle, was so piqued at 
her husband's assisting at the "pole raising,'' that she de- 
termined to have revenge. She went at midnight, accom- 
panied by her little brother Henry, and borrowed an auger 
of Henry Brumbaugh, with which to fell the obnoxious 
pole. They arrived in safety at the pole, and she had bored 
three holes through it and started in with the fourth. The 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COFXTY. 41 

certainty of success roacle her strong, and the fear of detec- 
tion made her nervous. Her cumulated " nerve force"' was 
too much for the auger, and it broke. Ye who have had the 
" cup " dashed suddenly from your parched lips, can appre- 
ciate her feelings. Mortified and angry, she returned home 
without having accomplished her object. 

"When the depredation was discovered, a reward was 
offered for the discovery of the offender. He was never dis- 
covered. However, suspicion fastened upon Felt}^ Schell- 
hart, poor fellow, who, though not proven guilty, was 
unable to prove his innocence, and many were the cold 
looks he got — all for a woman's political enthusiasm; and 
slie didn't want to vote, either. 

Among the first settlers, not already spoken of, are: 
Richard Gilbert, who came to Panora in September, 1853. 
He was then a widower, and, with his two little boys for 
companions, traveled, by wagon, from Indiana, weary, 
hungr}'', and travel worn. He stopped at the cabin of Mr. 
Campbell, and asked if they could let him have something 
to eat. "Yes,'' said the good lady; "come in and sit 
while I grate some corn and bake it.'' She grated the corn 
up on a raddish grater. 

Mr. Gilbert entered the E. \ of sec. 3-79—30, and forty 
acres in sec. 9. 

Judge James Henderson came to the county in the fall 
of '53. In August, 1854, he was elected County Judge to fill 
a vacancy, and removed to Panora, the county seat. He 
has ever been an upright and mind-your-own-business sort 
of citizen, much respected by his friends and neighbors. 
He is still living in Panora, though in feeble health. 

Rev. D. W. Harper, who came, as stated, in '53, settled 
where he now resides, on the south side of Panora, where 
he has one of the best orchards in the county. He is a class 
leader and exhorter in the M. E. Church, in which he has 
ever taken a deep interest, and for the advancement of 
which he has labored assiduously. 

Mr. Hugh Campbell, with his family, came on the 10th of 



42 HISTORY OF GUTHKIE COU^^Ty. 

September, 1853. They went into a house belonging to 
Judge Biyan, on the Batchelet place. (This house is now 
used as a stable by George Campbell, four miles southeast 
of Panora.) In November, they removed to the place where 
Mrs. Campbell now resides. In June, 1854, Mr. Campbell 
died, leaving a wife and eleven children. A stranger in a 
new, wild, lonesome country, bereft of a husband's love and 
counsel, rare must have been her fortitude and courage to 
remain and rear, unaided, save by her noble boys, so large 
a fami]}^ In the rebellion, she gave the first sacrifice (from 
this county) on the altar of patriotism, in the person of her 
son Hugh, a mere boy of eighteen, who gave bright promise 
of a noble and useful manhood. In May, 1861, he enlisted 
in Company C, Fourth Iowa Infantry, and on the 5th day 
of October, 1861, he departed this life at Rolla, Mo. 

In the same regiment were eight Campbells, but one of 
whom — Wm. H., brother to Hugh — returned. William H. 
Campbell enlisted as a private, and was promoted to the 
rank of captain. He was educated at Mt. Pleasant, gradu- 
ating in 1869. In 1870, he represented Guthrie county in 
the Legislature. He is now practicing law in St. Joseph, 
Mo. Placed in whatever situation, the Hon. William H. 
Campbell will never be found wanting in integrity and true 
courage. Mrs. Campbell has several other sons, all well- 
to-do and respected citizens. 

In October, 1853, Abrani and Kobinson Hosier came to 
the county. The former purchased the farm of Jno. Hen- 
derson, and the latter, in 1859, succeeded Mr. Martin in the- 
hotel business. ' They all went to Oregon in 1865. Mrs. 
Abram Hosier is still living in Panora. 

Peter Batchelet came in '53, and purchased of Judge 
Bryan the place where he is now living. He has a comfort- 
able home, a fine orchard, and pays some attention to stock 
raising. He is hospitable and good natured, and is always 
ready to have " fun with the boys." 

Among those who came in 1854, are, Dr. Gustine, Peter 



HISTORY OF GUTIIRIE COUNTY. 43 

and John Boblett, Robert Wasson, Jos. Dyson. James and 
Thompson Cline, and others. 

Dr. Gnstine came in Jnly; had long, dreary and labori- 
ous rides in Guthrie, Dallas, Green, Carrol, Adair, and 
Anderson counties. The population was then scattered 
over the country in sparse settlements, with immense terri- 
tory between. The order of architecture, in those days, 
was designated by no special name, but was noted for its 
simplicity. Log walls, puncheon floors, clap-board roofs, 
old-fashioned log fire places, with mud and stick chimneys, 
constituted its important principles. Some cabins had not 
even floors or chimneys; others were destitute of " daubing 
and chinking." 

The first case of sickness the doctor attended was that of 
a boy in Carroll county, who had hemorrhage of the 
bowels. He died the same night the doctor was called, and 
he (the doctor) rode eight miles to secure the assistance 
of a man, and also to get lumber, and the two constructed 
a rude coffin, or box, for the remains. They also dug the 
grave, and the doctor assisted in covering the coffin with 
" the clods." Eight persons, including the famih^, followed 
the remains to the grave. It was a dark, gloomy day, and 
the feelings of our friend were as sombre as the occasion. 

The doctor was educated at Pittsburg and Philadelphia, 
in each of which cities he had practiced his profession, pre- 
vious to his coming west. Coming from the city to the very 
confines of civilization, he found novelty enough in his all- 
night and all-day rides to satiate the desire to see nature in 
all her primitive glory. 

I remember a story that used to be told of the doctor's 
visit to a man who was suffering from nervous prostration, 
or something of the sort. In diagnosing the cjtse, among 

other things, he said: "Mr. , you have been overdoing; 

yon are a very energetic man, and — " " Oh, yaas, I know, 
doctor; I've had 'em for five or six years." " Had what ?" 
" ^"^^y? the energetics." I do not think the doctor laughed 
at all; but I do know he wished himself out on the prairie 



44 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

" all by himself." He lias passed throiigli many laughable 
as well as many sorrowful scenes, and yet he agrees with 
the rest of the old settlers in saying they were all quite con- 
tented and happy. 

James Cline remained in Guthrie twelve 3'ears, during 
which time — in 1862 — he, in conjunction with his brother, 
John Cline, built the Panora woolen mills. In 1866, he. 
with a number of the old settlers, went to Oregon, where he 
remained several years, but finally came back to Keokuk 
county, where he now resides. 

Peter Boblett was born in October. 1791, and his wife 
May 4, 1794, the former in Bedford, and the latter in Camp- 
bell county, Virginia. Mr. Boblett served in the war of 
1812, under Captain Gray. Jul}- 1st, 1S54, they came to 
Panora, where they lived in a tent for six weeks. They 
then bought the Thomas Roberts farm, where the}^ re- 
mained tvv^o years, when the}^ returned to Panora, where they 
have remained ever since. This couple are aged, respectively, 
eighty-five and eighty-two years, and yet they retain their 
mental faculties, and keep much better posted in the news of 
the day than many younger persons. Of the family, who 
came about the same time, Mrs. Rosebrugh, a daughter; 
Peter Boblett, a son; and Wm. S. Blue, a son-in-law, have 
passed away. Mr. Blue opened the first harness shop in 
the county, in the old part of the Van Laliman residence, 
which then belonged to M. Rosebrugh, who kept a boarding 
house. Mr. Rosebrugh is living in Stuart; Mrs. Roberts, 
Mrs. Blue, and Mrs. Swartz are all living in Panora, while 
one son is living in Oregon. 

In July, 1854, Mr. John Boblett, went through Guthrie 
county to Council Bluffs and Omaha, the latter just then 
being surveyed, and the former but a mere hamlet. He 
found nothing that pleased him so well as Guthrie, so he 
returned to Panora and bought the shanty of Hursche & 
Turner and opened a store. He purchased of " Ed. & Bob. 
Robinson " a cabin wliich stood upon the lot now owned by 
Charley Campbell, which he used as a dwelling. For some 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 45 

time they had neither tables nor chairs, and took their 
scanty meals Gipsy fashion. Bye and bye he purchased of 
Hursche, a table, two chairs and two rough bedsteads. Dur- 
ing the dreadful first year they had but little to eat, and 
sometimes were really hungry. He went to a well-to-do 
farmer living near Booneville, to buy corn, but he would 
not let him have any ; however he offered to sell him a small 
lot, that had been left by a man who had " gone to Texas." 
Out of five bushels he picked a half bushel, that under or- 
dinary circumstances he would not have used, but the wolf 
must be kept from the door b}' some means. As soon as 
blackberries, of which there was an abundance, began to 
'"turn" they picked and ate them, as well as green wild 
grapes. While they were yet living without bed-steads 
(they had plenty of bedding,) two belated travelers from 
Sac City sought shelter at their door. Mr. Boblett ex- 
plained how they were situated, but offered them such rest 
and shelter as they could give. The wanderers gladly ac- 
cepted this, and when they were all abed, there was not 
standing room for a cat, if they had possessed one. 

After a time they " fixed up " the " loft " in the Hursche 
shanty, for a sleeping room for the boys. When it snowed 
they had a white spread, given gratuitously through the 
" chinks," and Avhen it rained they "got a ducking." 

Mr. Boblett gave two sons to the army, Isaac and Jacob, 
the former enlisting in the 29th Iowa, and the latter in a 
cavalry regiment." "Uncle John" has seen hard times 
and much sorrow, yet he has never regretted coming to 
Iowa. 

Joseph Dyson, with his family, came from AVest Va. An 
ox team, with a few household goods, constituted his 
worldly possessions. He rented the mill of John Anderson, 
which he operated for some time. He next opened a gen- 
eral store on the corner of Main and Union streets. Mr. 
Dyson died several years ago. 

It was in this 3'ear, *54, that the cemetery west of town 
was laid out. An incident connected with the selecting of 



46 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

the ground, is related with much feeling by some of the old 
settlers. One of the committee chosen for the purpose, was 
talking with some neighbors, when he started suddenly, 
saying, I must hurry and meet the grave yard committee; 
some of us may die, and there w^ould be no place to bury 
us.*' The ground was selected, and a plat made, and in 
just two weeks this gentleman's wife was laid to rest in the 
new cemetery. Mrs. Conrad Brumbaugh died on the first 
day of May, 1851, and was buried here, though there was 
no burying ground marked out. Her coffin was made of 
rough boards, or slabs. 

In 1855-6 Iowa seemed to be the Eldorado of Indiana 
and Illinois emigrants, and Guthrie county received her 
share of the same. 

Of the many who came at this time to Cass towi\ship, 
Mrs. Casandre Roberts, with her two sons, Joseph and 
Phil., settled where Joseph now resides. The latter had 
been here in '53, purchased the land and built a cabin — 
without doors or windows. When they moved, the family 
consisted of eighteen j^ersons. (only four of whom were the 
children of Mrs. Roberts.) They landed on the prairie, 
where they waited until a doorway could be sawed out; one 
of the boys crept through under the logs to get inside, in 
order to assist in the operation of sawing. Tradition says 
it was Phil, that ''went under," but Phil says he was off 
in the slough, prospecting for water; if his proportions 
were as ample then as now, I am inclined to think he is cor- 
rect. For some time their door was a bed quilt, their win- 
dows the chinks in the walls, and their bedsteads the floor. 
About two w^eeks after their arrival, they were visited by 
a terrific storm; the wind blew the lights out as fast as they 
could be struck; the lightning glared threateningly, and the 
thunder was terrible, while the rain was a genuine flood. 
Each whispered courage to the others, (the whisperings of 
eighteen voices ought to have inspired courage,) but the 
lightning revealed anything but courageous attitudes. One 
Smith, who had been very brave — with his tongue — was seen 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 4T 

crouching on one hand and knee, while with the other hand 
he endeavored to ward off the lightning's fierce darts. 

Their first furniture was made of native lumber, sawed at 
Brumbaugh's mill. 

The same fall, '55, came Mr. Leach, now of Highland, 
and not being able to procure a house, Mr. Robert Wasson, 
who lived on Bay's Branch, kindly.shared his mansion with 
them. They lived thus for several months, the two families, 
of fifteen persons, living in one room, and cooking by one 
fire-place. Mr. WassOn now owns a fine farm in Cass, and 
Mr. Leach one in Highland. 

James Foster, who came in '55, paid §15 per acre for the 
land he now owns, and not being able to pay for it at once, 
in '57 sold a part of it at $6 per acre, the financial crash 
of that year putting a stop to immigration, and causing 
hard times generally. 

B. T. Hook came from Ohio in 1855, and purchased the 
Hook place. He raised, the next year, one thousand bush- 
els of corn, which he sold to emigrants at the " handsome " 
price of two dollars. Mr. Hook was County Treasurer for 
four years, filling the office acceptably to all. In 1866 he 
removed to Mt. Pleasant for the purpose of educating his 
children, at which place he died several years ago. He gave 
his brightest, best boy, Marcellus, a sacrifice on the altar of 
his country. George is an M. E. Minister near Sioux City, 
Robert is in Texas, and Belinda in Colorado. 

Thomas Roberts came to Guthrie in September, 1856, and 
purchased the south half of sections 34-80-30 two miles 
east of Panora, and which is now one of the most desirable 
farms in the county, and one of the most home-like homes; 
good dwelling, good large barns, orchard and evergreens; 
in short everything that goes to make a home comfortable. 
The Roberts are noted for their hospitality and sociability, 
and Mr. Roberts is '' Uncle Tom " to every body. He has 
been extensively engaged in stock raising, secured patents 
on the 14-mile gun, in ^hort, has been successful in all his 
undertakings, unless we except his effort to make his neigh- 



48 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

bor bray. This one failure of liis life is worthy of record. 
A party of old settlers w<mt to Des Moines, and while there 
it rained so hard they knew they could not ford the streams, 
so they bought a skiflF and a large, strong rope, and loaded 
them into the wagon. When they came to the first stream, 
Walnut creek, this side of Des Moines, they took the wagon 
to pieces and sent it over in the skiff; they then sent one 
■end of the rope over by W. T., who landed on an island 
near the west bank. In the mean time the other end of the 
rope was attached to the " head-stall " of the large mule, 
while it was supposed the smaller one would follow. There 
stood T. in the water up to his knees, hauling in the rope, 
hand over hand, working like a good fellow. When the 
mules reached the middle of the stream, the current took 
the little one, which was paddling his own canoe, down 
stream. Uncle Tom, who had remained behind to see them 
into the water, became for once thoroughly excited, and as 
visions of a forty-mile walk, with several streams to 
swim, — alas he could not swim I — loomed up before 
his mind, he started down the bank on a run, call- 
ing out, " bray, Tracj^ bray." Tracy never heed- 
ing, hauled leisurely away, while poor uncle Tom shoo'd 
and called, and called and shoo'd, and finally succeeded in 
scaring the creature across. When all were safely over he 
demanded the reason of T.'s refusal to bray. " Well, Mr. 
E,.," replied he, "I am willing to do anything in reason, 
but from making a jackass of myself, you will have to ex- 
cuse me." 

"Pete" Hamilton, one of the Zo?i^-time settlers, came 
with his parents, who are still living north of Panora, in 
1856. He went to Oregon in '65, to Texas in '73, and finally 
came back to Panora, where he is a fixture, for the present. 

Thompson Cline, a settler of '56, who lives northwest of 
Panora, has a good farm, of which he has made a 7iome, in 
the true sense. He has one of the best, though not one of 
the largest orchards in the county, has four hundred trees 
in bearing, all choice varieties. Mr. valine has always ta- 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 49 

ken a deep interest in religion, sometimes preaching to the 
people. He is a good citizen, and has the courage to be an 
original man, qnietly and unobtrusively asserting his in- 
dividuality. 

Henry Culbertson and Silas Harper, southeast of Panora, 
are both old settlers, have good farms, and very fine or- 
chards. In the same neighborhood is also Frederick Knowl- 
ton, who owns a good farm and orchard. 

Among the many other old settlers, are Thos. Frazier, J. 
B. Youts, S. Wasson, Benj. Mitchell, A. McClaren, R. 
Farnsworth, Mr. Dubbs, E. Reynolds, J. Deihl, Mr. Ritz, and 
Rev. S. Anderson. The latter gentleman is a son of Jno. 
Anderson, who built the first mill and kept the first post- 
office. He is a gentleman of liberal education, a minister 
of the Cumberland Presbyterian faith, a good man, a desi- 
rable citizen, and a successful farmer. No one would be 
more missed from the community in which he lives than the 
Rev. Samuel Anderson. 

There are so many settlers who came early enough to en- 
title them to notice as " old settlers,'' that it is impossible, 
(in a limited work like this) to get all of their names and 
history. The experience of one old settler is, in all that 
pertains to the privations and hardships of pioner life, the 
the experience of all old settlers. They all saw hard times, 
were lonely, and sometimes even hungry, but they all agi-ee 
in asserting that the early days of Guthrie County were the 
happiest of their lives. They lived on corn and game, en- 
joyed good health, went twenty-five and even forty miles to 
attend dancing parties, and Fourth of July celebrations, 
and friendly visits at a distance of five and ten miles, were 
considered a great treat. The greatest good to the greatest 
number, was their motto, and with few exceptions they lived 
up to it. 

The First Fourth of July celebration was held at Panora 
in 1857. 



-5.0 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 

Among the old settlers in Jackson, not already men- 
tioned, are, J. J. Morris, Stevenson Mount, T. E. Harbour, 
D. A. Lilly, A. Swisher, J. A. Trent, M. Mount, J. A. 
White, D. Brumbaugh, Jos. Kemvorthy, Jno. Lonsdale 
and others. 

J. J. Morris, a native of Gurnsey county, Ohio, came to 
Outhrie from Missouri in the autumn of '51, and, being a 
bachelor, made his home with the family of Mr. Jas. Moore, 
who resided on the place now owned by Mr. Morris. In 
the winter of '52 he bought tlie claim of Fred Fry. On the 
14th of June, 1852, he entered the s. -J s. w. I, Sec. 35, 79, 
'SO, and lots 3 and 4, Sec. 4, 79, 30. His farm is a very fine 
one, lying on both sides of the old State road. On the 
north side of the road is a beautiful meadow, that to the 
causal observer " tells no tales," but to the old settlers it 
possesses considerable interest, as being the site of the his- 
torical cabin of Fred Fry, where the first election in Jack- 
son was held, as was also the second, at which latter, the}^ 
had some " spiritual " assistance through the mediumship 
of one Piper, who was making considerable disturbance, 
when he was requested by a member of the election board 
to desist. "Now, look'e here," said he, " this is Mr. Mor- 
ris' house, an' if he tells me to leave, I'll git. No other 
man, 'lection board or no 'lection board, hes any right to 
boss me, drunk or no drunk." The members of the board 
at the election, were Benj. Kunkle, Abram Moore and 
Benj. Marlenee. 

Stevenson Mount came to Iowa, settling in Dallas county 
in 1851. He came to Guthrie in 1854, and bought of J. W. 
Cummins, lot 4, Sees. 3, 79, 30. Upon the resignation of 
Mr. Cummins as post master of iVllen post office, Mr. 
Mount was appointed to the position. He has several 
times been elected county supervisor, which position he has 
filled acceptably. He has ever taken a warm interest in 
the welfare and prosperity of the county, and is a much 
respected citizen. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 51 

T. E. Harbour came to the county at au early day, set- 
tling near the east line of the county, where he kept a stage 
station for some time. He has been county judge and 
treasurer, which positions he filled with honor to himself 
and satisfaction to the people. 

Enoch Kenworthy came to the county in 1854, settling 
where Mr. Hollingsworth now resides, near Stuart. 

Joseph Kenworthy came in 1856, stopping with his 
brother Enoch, until he could "rear himself a mansion,"' 
the lumber for which he purchased at Morrisburg. This 
shanty, I mean mansion, was 11x12 ft. in size, without a 
floor, except a temporary one of carpet. A table, which 
had been in Mrs. K.'s family for nearly forty years, was 
brought as a keepsake, so the}^ had the advantage, in that 
particular, over some of their neighbors. For chairs, they 
used a bench the first year, then David Tomlinson (our 
" Dave " of Stuart) made them half a dozen from hickory 
poles, his only tool being a shaving knife. Their bedstead 
was the ordinary " prairie bunk."' Enoch, having the 
advantage of being a carpenter, and being a little aristo- 
cratic beside, peeled the bark from the soft maple poles, of 
which he made his bedstead (the first settlers never had 
occasion to use this word in the plural). They, (the poles), 
were so smooth and white, as to excite the envy of his less 
fortunate neighbors. Mrs. Joseph Kenworthy was very 
enthusiastic in her praises of the new country and as she 
thought over the novelty of the situation and congratulated 
herself upon her freedom, would often indulge in pleasant 
reveries of the future. One evening, just after she had 
removed her shoes preparatory to retiring, she was awak- 
ened from one of these delightful musings, by a peculiar noise 
that " struck terror to her soul." She bade the little ones 
(her adopted daughter and a little son of E. Kenworthy) 
climb upon the bed. She then called to Mr. K. who was 
out doors, to come and kill a rattle snake. He took the 
iron bar from the end of his wagon and came laughing, 
expecting, not to kill a snake, but to quiet a woman's 



52 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

whim. As he approached the door, his snakeship gave 
him a salute that made him '* laugli out of the other side 
of his mouth.*' He bade Mrs. K. to jump upon the bed, 
and just as he raised his weapon to strike, the wind blew 
out the only light, a skillet of lard with a rag wick. While 
darkness prevailed the snake rattled so fiercely and in such 
close proximity to the bed, that its occupants, with clasped 
hands and blanched cheeks, made up their minds to bid 
farewell to this fair land, if not from choice, of necessity. 
Mr. Kenworthy struck a light in time to see the intruder 
start out through a chink beside the door; he nailed him to 
the floor with the iron bar or rod which his wife held, while 
he climbed out of the window and with a tent pole dis- 
patched the enemj^ Possibly they slept sweetly that night, 
but I think they did not. 

In the autumn he built a house on the west side of the 
farm, the same now used as a barn by his tenant. 

Mr. Kenworthy has kept adding to his farm, until he 
now owns 1,400 acres, 500 of which are under cultivation. 
This is one of the finest farms in the State; it is well culti- 
vated; contains a good dwelling, a good barn and other 
out buildings. The cosy white house with its green blinds; 
its ample door yard of green grass and flowers; its ever- 
green and fruit trees, in short, all its surroundings make it 
one of the most home-like places in the county. 

Travel on the route from Fort Des Moines to Kanesville, 
through our county, commenced in the spring of 1852. 
The mail hacks, too, run this route for the first time. 

January 19, 1853, the name of Kanesville was changed 
to Council Bluffs. 

The first blacksmithing done in the township was by Mr. 
Kunkle, who erected a temporary shop on his farm in 18 — 

Josiah Lamb built the first saw mill on middle 'Coon 
river, in 1852. This was afterward converted into a flour- 
ing mill. 

MoRRiSBURG was laid out in 1855 by J. J. Morris, and 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 53 

contained forty acres of land — twenty acres from the farm 
of Mr. Morris, and twenty from that of Mr. Moore. The 
town was called Fairview; but it was discovered that there 
was another Fairview in the State, so, in 1856, the name 
was changed to Morrisburg. 

The first building was a log house, built by Mr. Morris 
for a dwelling. In August, "55, he sold it to a Mr. Closser, 
who opened a general store. The Post Office was also kept 
here, it having been moved up from the Mount place. 

In 18G6, there were several business houses in Morrisburg 
— all doing a good business. There was a dry goods store, 
by Mr. Wright, a drug store, a blacksmith shop and hard- 
w^are store, by Wells McCool, one saloon — but that was 
short-lived — a hotel, a good school and church — M. E. 

After the stages were withdrawn from this route, her oc- 
cupation was gone, and now all that remains of Morrisburg 
is the church, the school, and J. J. Morris (This latter is 
quite an item, as he is six feet six inches tall — the tallest 
man in the county.) 

In 1865, the stage route was changed to Adel and Panora, 
which route was used until the railroads, north and south of 
us, were built far enough west to change it. 

Dale City nestled away among the knolls and little hills 
on the south bank of South Racoon, in one of the most 
picturesque little valleys imaginable, was laid out in 1862, 
by Jno. Lonsdale. It contains a woolen factory, estab- 
lished in 1858, by Mr. Lonsdale. The building is 46x60 
feet; two stories high; employs twelve hands, most of whom 
are women. 

Mr. Jas. Lonsdale keeps a dry goods store, which was 
started by Jno. Lonsdale and Jos. Kenworthy, in 1861. 

There is a hotel, by Bickford; a blacksmith shop, by 

Wm. Pearson; saddler, John McLuen. 

The post office is kept at the store of Mr. Jas. Lonsdale, 
Jno. Lonsdale, post master. 

This post office, like our county seat, has been a per- 
ipatetic institution, having had no permanent abiding place 
4 



54 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

until recently. It is the old Allen post office, which has 
perambulated " through " Allen, Fairview, Morrisburg, and 
Dale Cit}^, for several years, alternating between the latter 
two places. 

Mr. Lonsdale, senior, a native of England, came to the 
county in 1853, and jDurchased land; came again in 1855, 
and commenced the erection of his woolen mill. He also 
prepared a place for his family, and brought them here in 
1866. Mr. Lonsdale has a farm of four hundred and 
eighty acres, well cultivated and improved. A comfortable 
and commodious dwelling stands on a little eminence that 
overlooks the river on the north, and the beautiful valley, 
with its rich prairie, in every other direction. 

This delightful little valley, with its cosy little homes, 
seems a very garden spot of nature. As I sit, this beauti- 
ful June morning, upon a terrace in the door yard of the 
hospitable home of Mr. Kenworthy, and listen to the myr- 
iads of song birds that till every shrub and tree, and take 
in the beauty of all the surroundings; the dew upon the 
emerald, velvety carpet, that sparkles like so many di- 
amonds; the fragrance of apple and plum blossoms; the 
bursting buds of the lilac; the beautiful evergreens, with 
their nice new dress — the old cones still clinging to their 
branches, reminding one that the old habits may still cling 
to us, when the old of our mortal selves shall have put on 
the new of immortality; — the broad expanse of prairie, 
now made into fields of huge proportions, stretching away 
in every direction, far as the eye can see, even away over 
theVooded slopes of the 'Coon — the beautiful green knolls 
rising beyond and above the oaks and elms; — here and 
there a farmer, riding leisurely along, committing the seed 
to the care of Mother Nature, confident that she will, in her 
own good time, yield him rich returns for his labor; — I 
wonder that, amid so much of loveliness, so much of 
beauty, there should be discontent and heart-ache; I won- 
der why the farmer, amid his delightful surroundings, 
should not have more of the poetry and less of the prose of 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 55 

this blight world? Why, in all onr transactions, the al- 
mighty dollar must obtrude its unpoetic face? But. there; 
I must come back from these enchanting scenes, leave these 
*'^ refreshing"' reveries for the rough practicalities of every 
day life, still wondering why? 

BEAR GROVE TOWNSHIP. 

Previous to 1855, Guthrie count}'' had but two townships 
— Cass and Jackson. In April of that year. Bear Grove 
was organized, and embraced the west half of the county. 

Nathan Davis, now living in Oregon, was the first settler 
in what is now Bear Grove townshij), arriving in the fall of 
1853. 

In 1854, came George Worden, S. R. Saxton, and several 
others, the former of wiiom built the hotel known as ".Mid- 
dle River Station," which was kept by Mr. Davis. His one 
boarder was Capt. Thomas Seeh% then a land agent. This 
was the regular stopping place for the stages of the West- 
ern Stage Company, and an occasional traveler, independ- 
ents of the stages, would stop with him. 

The commissioner appointed for the purpose, E. B. New- 
ton, opened this stage road in 1853, and previous to the 
building of Worden's Station, the stages ran from Morris- 
burg to Hamlin's Grove, in Audubon county — a distance of 
thirty -five miles — without a single house being in sight to 
relieve the lonesomeness of the continuous stretch of prairie, 
or at which they could stop to change horses, or get a "bite 
to eat " for themselves. Travellers and drivers were obliged 
to carry lunches for themselves and feed for their horses. 

After the Worden station was built, and Mr. Davis in- 
stalled as its landlord, two of his friends, Mr. N. and Mr. 
R., went up to visit him. The bed was of the sapling vari- 
ety and double, extending entirely across one end of the 
house. They slept feet to feet, the guests in one end of the 
bed, and the host and hostess in the other. Said one of the 
guests, in relating the incidents of this visit: "When we 
stretched out, we lapped, knee deep; but, with all the incon- 



56 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

venience, I eiijoj^ed the vi&it more than some I've made, in 
more pretentions style.*' 

Thongh the pioneers were always ci^■il to strangers, and 
ready at all times to render any assistance possible, j^et 
some of them were rather laconic in their answers to the 
questions pnt to them; and when they meant what they 
said, wanted to be believed. 

One da}^ two men drove np to Mr. D's, -and asked him 
how far it was to the next stopping place. '' Fourteen 
miles,*' replied he. " Mercy, cried one of the men,"' is there 
no place this side where we can stop?" " Yes, d — n it; you 
can stop on the side of that hill if you want to.'' They 
drove on without more questions. 

A few 3'ears later, when these primitive hotels assumed 
an " upper story,*' P. Gad Bryan, who had been up to Au- 
dubon county, holding court, stopj^ed at one of them, and^ 
out of respect to the dignity of his profession, the landlord 
gave him the best room in the house, said room being 
directly over the office. To make it more comfortable^ 
the pipe from the stove in the office extended up through 
the ceiling and through this room, "so as to take off the 
chill, you know." Whenever a fire was made in the stove, 
the smoke would come puffing out through the leaky pipe 
in the " best room," almost suffocating the distinguished 
guest. 

In the morning, after a smoky evening, when the iirst fire 
was made, the smoke, being no respecter of persons came, in 
all its impudence, to the eyes, nostrils and throat of Mr. B. 
He stood it as long as was agreeable (?), and, being consid- 
erable of a philosopher, concluded to have some fun out of it. 
He sprang out of bed, yelling "^re, fire, FIRE"! Every- 
body in the house, including landlady and children, came 
to the rescue. The landlord rushed frantically into the 
room, inquiring, " Where's fire? Quick; where*s there any 
fire?" "1 don't know," cooly replied the judge. "What 
the d — 1 did ye yell fire for, then?" " Where there is smoke 
there is fire, and as there is so much smoke here, I sup- 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 57 

posed there must be a little fire somewhere," was the philo- 
sophical reply. The landlord's chagrin can better be im- 
agined than written. As he hurried down stairs he relieved 
himself of this little speech — ''' sold," adding a few exple- 
tives by way of emphasis. Finally, they all had a good 
laugh over the little scene, and parted good friends. 

The first school in Bear Grove township was a private 
school, taught by Mrs. S. R. Saxton, at her residence in the 
Grove, where she, with her family, still reside. This was in 
1854. Miss Mar}^ Cram taught the first public, or dis- 
trict school, in 1855, after the organization of the town- 
ship. 

" Old Father Knott" preached the first sermon. The first 
Sabbath school (Union) was organized in 1858, by AVilliam 
Campbell. 

There are now three church organizations, ten sub-dis- 
tricts, and nine schools. 

The first white child born was Lillian Harrington, Dec. 
5th, 1855, now deceased. 

The first death was that of a soldier, who came home and 
died in 1864. The township had then been settled for nearly 
twelve years, and contained thirty-two families. The old 
settlers used to tell stage-coach passengers that Bear Grove 
was so healthy they were raising a subscription to send east 
for a poor, old man to come out and settle among them, so 
they could start a " grave yard." I presume they did not 
feel quite organized, or civilized, without a grave yard. 

The above was the first hurlal, a death, by accident, hav- 
ing occurred in the winter of 1856-7. At the beginning of 
the terrible snow storm that caused so much suffering, and 
which will be remembered by many old settlers, a lad, a 
nephew of a Mrs. Sheeder, then residing in the neighbor- 
hood — neighborhoods extended over considerable territory 
in those days — went out to follow up a large herd of elk, 
tracks of which he had discoveved leading up a ravine. 
When he left home, there were no signs of a storm, but, be- 
fore nightfall, occurred one of Iowa's proverbial sudden 



58 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

changes, and the worst storm of the season ensued. As the 
young man did not return, search was made the next day, 
and continued, at intervals, for some time, but without suc- 
cess. The next summer his bones and gun were found 
twelve miles north of home, where it is supposed he per- 
ished in that terrible storm. 

The first marriage in the township was was that of Grant 
Parkhurst and Fanny Comstock, by Rev. R. C. Meek. 
Among the early marriages was that of a Mr. North, now 
living in Casey, to a Miss Betts. They were married by 
'Squire Owens, who was left-handed. When the couple 
joined their right hands, the 'squire called out, " other 
hands, if you please; that's wTong." This, of course, caused 
a little hesitation, and, consequently, a little confusion, 
when he was heard to remark, in an aside, " Dog my cats, 
if I haven't used my left hand so long, I thought everybody 
was left handed.'' 

The story of another "early marriage" is this: A Mr. 
Cooper and a Miss Fleak were both hired to work for a 
prominent farmer, near Lynn Grove. As Cupid lurks in 
the lower, as well as the higher, walks of life, the little 
rogue whispered pretty stories in their ears, and, as is usual 
in such cases, they agreed to tread life's rosy path together. 
In short, as soon as an opportunity presented itself, they 
would "get married." The opportunity came one day 
when C. was working on the prairie, in bucksin breeches 
and colored shirt, and Miss F. was kneading dough in the 
kitchen. 'Squire Owen was seen driving along the winding 
road over the prairie, and Miss Fleak called to him to come 
in. She then sent one of the farmer's little boys to bring 
the prospective bridegroom, while she returned to her 
kneading board. Pretty soon the groom came in, wiped 
the perspiration from his face with his shirt sleeve, while 
the soon-to-be bride sprinkled four over her hands, rubbed 
the dough therefrom as well as she could, walked proudly 
into " the room," with her sleeves rolled above her elbows. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 59 

and fragments of dongh clinging to lier finger nails, and 
took her place beside the happy groom. 

They were married then and there without further ado, 
and spent their honey moon, she in the kitchen and he on 
the prairie, and were as happy as if they had taken " a 
trip." 

In June, 1855, Perry Crooks and family — followed in a 
short time by his nephew, Capt. John McEwen — landed on 
Bear Creek (which romantic name was given it on account 
of several bears having been killed on its banks b}^ a 
"band" of Government surveyors), where the first thing 
they did was to mow the grass from out a shed, the size of 
which was nine by fourteen feet, the shed having been 
moved up from Dalmanutha, a few weeks previous. This 
one shed, "constituting the various apartments of the family, 
excepting the kitchen, which was out of doors, under the 
blue canopy, they'commenced roughing it in earnest. 

Though their house could not be called a mansion, yet 
the characteristic hospitality of the family discovered itself, 
even here, as a little incident will illustrate. 

One night, after the family had retired, two men, who had 
lost their way, stumbled on this habitation, and asked for 
shelter. Of course, with the limited space at their com- 
mand, the spare bed was lacking. There were two or three, 
all filled with members of the family. Capt. McEwen's 
generous heart at once suggested a way to provide for the 
wanderers. He called out, " Aunt Mary, make me a bed 
under the bed, and they can have mine." And in the dis- 
pensation of true hospitality, the proud, noble-hearted man, 
who bowed only to his Maker, crept under the bed, that two 
fellow-mortals might have shelter and rest. Ever thus, the 
Crooks homey from the shanty to the good, substantial 
dwelling, continued to be a beacon light to weary travelers 
through the Grove. 

During the summer of "55, Crooks and McEwen erected a 
saw-mill — the second one in the county — on Bear Creek. 
They also erected a log house, that they might be better 



60 IIISTOKY OF GUTHUIE COUNTY. 

protected from the storms, wliicli. it seems, were more fre- 
frequent then than now. 

Wolves, deer, elk, and wild tuikeys, were abundant at 
this time. One evening, in the winter of '57, Harry Crooks, 
then a lad of twelve j'ears, went to the barn to do the feed- 
ing (the men having gone to Panora), and in a few mo- 
ments he was heard londly calling for the butcher knife. 
Maggie, a little girl of ten (now Mrs. Grnbb), and the hired 
girl ran out with the knife. They found Harry astride of a 
large deer, and holding on by his antlers. He commanded 
the girls to " cut the deer's throat '" while he held him. They 
commenced sawing away, and finally Harry came down and 
took turns with them, until the desired end was accom- 
plished, and the, trio marched triumphantly into .the house, 
feeling, no doubt, much as a general might who had won a 
great battle. How did the boy catch the deer? There was 
a crust frozen over the top of the snow, hard enough to 
bear the children, but not hard enough to bear the heavier 
weight of the deer. The snow was very deep, and, in his 
struggles to escape, the deer would break through at every 
step, and, finally, through sheer exhaustion, he concluded to 
hold still and have his throat cut. 

After a residence of fourteen years at the Grove, in '69, 
Mr. Crooks removed to Guthrie, where he died in 1874, 
mourned by all who knew him. The family still remain at 
Guthrie; and while they are living in anything but pioneer 
style, they still remember the old friends and the old days. 

Captain McEwen is married, and living in Ohio. 

W. R .Grow, who came, with his family, in the fall of 
1855, built them a shanty in the Grove, and suffered the 
privations incident to pioneer life, died in March, 1875, at 
Casey, where his family now reside. 

Among the substantial farmers and business men are, S. 
R. Saxton, R. R. Kirkwood, W. A. Reed, W. Sheeder, I. 
C. Hadlee, J. P. Coates, C. Pettit, and others, whose names 
I have not at hand. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 61 

Bear Grove contains more timber than an}' other town- 
ship in the county, except Cass and Jackson. 

DODGE AND ORANGE TOWNSHIPS. 

Dodge township was organized in April, 1855, the election 
being held at the residence of John Clark, the first settler in 
the township. It then embraced within its limits the terri- 
lory now known as Dodge, Highland and Orange townships. 
It is second from the east line of the count}^, in the north 
tier. 

The general surface of Dodge is much the same as that of 
Highland — in the northern part, low, or level; in the cen- 
tral and southern part, rolling, verging to roughness in some 
parts. Coal is found in this township also. 

Some of the principal farmers are D. Chambers, "W. S. 
Mount, D. Neal, H. Belding, and D. H. Crippin. 

W. S. Mount is a son of Stevenson Mount, of Jackson 
township, and is an old settler, having come to this county, 
with his father in 3854. He is one of our present supervis- 
ors, a substantial and w^ell-to-do farmer, an intelligent and 
upright man, and a much respected citizen. 

Orange township was organized in 1857, and is the north- 
west township of the county. The first settlement was 
made in '53-4 by Benjamin and Joseph Tuttle, who came 
from Michigan; George and Lawson Mingus, who came 
from North Carolina; "Wm. P. Hopson, of Illinois; and 
Joel B. Younker, of Ohio. Jacob Cretsinger came at an 
early day. 

The first white child ])orn in the township was a grand- 
daughter of Benjamin Tattle. The first death was that of 
George Mingus. 

The townshiiD was made a district, or school township, in 
1858, with the following school board; Stephen Hammond, 
President; Joel B. Younker, Treasurer; and a Mr. Rude, 
Secretary. The first public school was taught by a Miss 
Heller, in a log cabin, with inincheon fioor and clap-board 



62 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

roof, which stood on the farm of Wm. P. Hoj)soii. The 
number of pupils was seventeen. 

The first school house was built in 18G0. There are now 
in the township five school houses. 

In 1873, the Wesleyan Methodists organized the first 
church, under the leadership of Rev.. E. Grinnell, followed 
in February, 1874, by an organization of the Christian de- 
nomination, by Elder McDaniel. 

Orange township, situated as she is, in the fertile valleys 
of middle 'Coon, south 'Coon, and Brushy Fork, with her 
abundant supply of water, timber, coal, and stone; the pro- 
ductiveness of her soil; the beauty of her scenery, and the 
excellent class of people within her borders, will compare 
very favorably with any township in the county. 

A story is told of an early settler, who w^as very much 
afraid of Indians — always on the alert for them. One day 
he heard a noise he did not understand, and thought, of 
course, it was Indians. (You know, we always see and hear 
just what we are looking for.) He crept up the chimney to 
hide, whispering between his chattering teeth to his wife to 
sit still; they w^ouldn't hurt a woman. 

N. Wilson, J. F. Moore, and John Cretsinger, are among 
the prominent farmers. 

BEAVER TOWNSHIP. 

Beaver township was organized in April, 1857, by E. W. 
Moore. It was made a district or school township in May, 
1858. 

In 18G2 Beaver bought a library of one hundred and sev- 
enty volumes, which was the first district library in the 
county. 

The first settlement was made by Lemuel Coleman in the 
spring of 1852. Mr. Branson, Henry Maines, and Thomas 
Coleman came in November of the same year. Grain and 
provisions were scarce and mills almost Inaccessable, so 
he went to Des Moines to winter, and returned in the spring, 
built a cabin, and commenced breaking and improving a 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 63^ 

farm on a " j)re-emption," not being able to enter or buy 
land. Bye and bye he sold one of his horses, the proceeds 
of which sale enabled him to enter forty acres of land. In 
1854 he sold his wagon and entered forty-eight acres more. 
The next year he bought another forty acre lot. Thus little 
by little, he has gathered together a snug farm, with a nice 
orchard of bearing trees, and is surrounding himself with 
the comforts ne<;essary, to pass the evening of his days in 
peace and serenity. With what fortitude they endured the 
hardships of pioneer life, I will let Mr. Coleman tell in his 
own language, which I copy from a diary kej^t by him. 

" The privations endured are known only to those who 
have tried a new home, in a new countr}'' 1q the far west, but 
by honest toil and God's blessing, we have always had 
something to live upon, and now my fondest expectations 
on leaving my native State are more than realized. When 
I look back, I see much for which we should be truly thank- 
ful to our Heavenly Father. 

When first instated in a home of our own, it was in the 
wilds of the west, surrounded by nature, almost undis- 
turbed, with but five families within seven miles of us. To- 
the west it was thirty miles to the first house, north and 
south we knew not how far. Many difficulties were before 
us, but with health and a firm reliance on God for aid, and 
determined minds, they have melted away like mist before 
the sun." 

The first thing Mr. Coleman did after breaking the prai- 
rie, was to plant fruit trees. Many of them have been de- 
stroyed by hail storms, hard winters, etc., but as fast as one 
tree is destroyed he plants another. 

The territory now embraced within the limits of Beaver 
township, was, prior to its organization, a part of Jackson- 
township. In 1854 there was but one sub-district in Jack- 
son. 

The members of the first school board were: Henry 
Maines, president; Thos. M. Coleman, Secretary. The 
Board ordered the erection of a I02: house, each settler 



-64 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

furnishing his share of logs, but before it was ready for oc- 
cupancy, they concluded to have a frame building, which 
was built in "58. 

Mr. Coleman taught the first school in 1S57, in one room 
of Lemuel Coleman's dwelling. In this school, there were 
from one family, a father and two sons as pupils, the three 
learning their a, b, c, together. ]\[r. Coleman also taught 
the next two schools. 

The first religious meetings w^ere held in '53 by " The 
Church of God,'' or Winebrenarians ; of this, more in an- 
other chapter. 

In 1853 Henry Maines settled where he now resides. He 
was almost entirely alone with his family, there being but 
two or three other families near him, and they not xery 
near. He went to Missouri to mill, swimming his oxen 
across the streams in his way, andtoDes Moines or Kanes- 
ville for groceries. He has now a large farm and a com- 
fortable home, the result of economy and industry. 

When Mr. Maines came to the county he had two sons, 
mere lads, John and Jesse, who have now large, well c^il- 
tivated and well stocked farms of their own. John owns 
the best barn in the county. It was built in 1875, at a cost 
of $7,000. Its size is 54x150 feet, 55 feet high. In the base- 
ment is a self-feeding crib, constructed something on the 
principle of an hour-glass, just so much corn escaping at a 
time, which is capable of feeding two hundred cattle at 
once. It is six feet wide, and runs through the centre, leav- 
ing space for a drive round it. A trough running the whole 
length of the crib, receives the corn, as it drops from it. 
There is also a drive in the first story above the basement, 
where the crib, which holds about fifteen thousand bushels 
is filled from the wagons, as the corn is gathered from the 
field. In the second story is a chute for running the hay 
through to the basement. In the yard is a never failing 
spring of pure water. The cattle go in and out at their leis- 
ure, " eat when they're hungry, and drink when they're 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 6f> 

dry," as hapi)y as if the other line of the old couplet had 
no reference to them. 

In 1871 Wm. Hanaford, an Englishman, came to Stuart, 
with thirteen dollars in his pocket, a large family to sup- 
port, and only his hands to depend upon. He hired out 
by the month, to Kenworthy and Maxwell, worked for 
them two years, during which time he bought and paid for 
a house and lot. He now owns, in Beaver township, a farm 
of four hundred acres, all under cultivation, and nearly all 
paid for. He is no " old settler,"' but he, with others, 
among w^hoai should be mentioned H. S. Brown, on section 
sixteen, is the kind of settler to improve a new country. 

Among other large farmers I notice W. H. Curtis, C- 
Sayer, C. E. Genung, E. Genung, R. McCullough, C. Thom- 
as, T. C. Galbraith, B. Wells, Mrs. Mary C Crooks, Mr. 
AV6rnock, and J. S. Cummins. 

Beaver townshij) is one of the finest in the county. Bea- 
ver creek and Spring branch are the principal streams,, 
along the former of which, there is a fair growth of timber. 
The surface along the streams is hilly, while toward the 
south and east it is beautifully undulating. 

PENN TOWNSHIP. 

Penn township w^as organized in 1857, with a poi^ulation 
of 306. The present population is, exclusive of the town 
of Stuart, 1,531, that of Stuart, 1,674, making a total of 
3,205. 

It is bounded on the north by Jackson tow^nship, on the 
east, by Dallas county, on the south, by Adair county, and 
on the west, by Beaver township. The surface is princi- 
pally undulating; in some parts rough and hilly, though 
no portion but is, or may be made tillable. 

Underlying the surface are beds of coal, mines of which 
have been opened, three or four miles north of Stuart, and 
furnish a partial supply for the demands of the township. 

Stone, also is found, and considerable quantities have- 
been quarried from the bluifs along Deer creek. 



66 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

The first settlement in what is now Penn township — then 
a part of Jackson — was made in 1850, by Addison and 
William Cave, who settled where they now reside, and oth- 
ers, who have been mentioned in connection with the first 
settlement of the county. 

The first death in the township was also the first in the 
county, being that of Mr. MeCullough, in 1850, who died 
in a cabin, near the present site of Pearson's mill. 

The next death was that of Julia Ann, daughter of Da- 
vid Bowles, who died in 1854, and was buried at Bear 
creek, in Dallas count}^ 

The first grave made in the township (MeCullough was 
buried in Jackson) was for the reception of the remains of 
a lad by the name of Isadore Switzer,in the spring of 1856. 
As there was then no cemetery or burying ground, he was 
buried on the ridge between the residences of W.M.McCol- 
lum and Alex. Lamb. 

Lizzie Grifiith, daughter of John Griffith, was born in 
February, 1856. 

Mary Catharine Bowles, daughter of David Bowles, was 
born the same winter, whether before or after Miss Grifiith, 
I am not advised; but the first white child born in the town- 
ship, is one of the above ladies. 

The first religious service was held at the Pioneer school 
house, under the auspices of the Methodist denomination 
in 1855. 

The first Sabbath School was taught by the Friends, at 
the residence of Elias Hadley, in 1856. 

The first school was that at the Pioneer school house, in 
the Thompson neighborhood. 

The first church edifice erected in the township was the 
Summit Grove, or Quaker Meeting House, near Stuart, in 
1856. In the winter of the same year a subscription school 
was kept in this meeting house by Darius Bowles, who is 
now living in Missouri. 

The first postofiice was established in 1858, at the resi- 
-dence of Rev. J. W. McPherson, near Dexter, and called 



IIISTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 67 

Hacks ville, which, upon the location of Stuart, was re- 
moved there, and the name changed to Stuart. Mr. 
McPherson was the postmaster at Macksville, and A. L. 
McPherson the first after the removal of the office. 

In the spring of 1854 Cyrus and David Bowles came to 
the county, Cyrus settling where Mr. Fink now resides, and 
David on the McPherson place. 

The only " house " within several miles of them was an 
Indian wigwam. They all "camped out"' for some time, 
sleeping in a tent, or a wagon, as the state of the weather 
seemed to indicate was best. 

When finally they built a cabin, it was the only habita- 
tion on or near the Mormon trail (this branch of it) for a 
distance of ten miles, either east or west. 

In the summer of '54 David went to Warren county to 
work in Pearson's mill, and Cyrus and his family were left 
alone, " strangers in a strange land." In this trying situa- 
tion only the implicit faith in a Guiding Power, so charac- 
teristic of the Friends, sustained them in their loneliness. 

In the autumn of the same year, David returned to Guth- 
rie, and several more piojieers were added to their little set- 
tlement. Among these were Alex. Lamb, Reuben Grifl[ith 
and a Mr. Switzer. 

In 1855 came T. C. McCollum, Elias Hadley, Calvin Car- 
son, Mary Mills and family, Levi and William Kivett and 
John Pearson. The latter came to Warren county, from 
Vermillion county. 111. He built several mills in Warren 
county. 

The same year of his arrival here, he commenced the 
erection of his flouring mill, on South Raccoon river, which, 
however, was not in oj^eration until 1857. 

The first manufacturing establishment of any kind was 
the carding machine of the Cave Brothers, on South 'Coon, 
two miles below Pearson's mill. This was afterward con- 
verted into a sawmill which was swept away by the floods 
of two or three years ago. 
In the year of J 856, when the tide of immigration into 



68 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

the State was at its highest, the Rev. Jos. W. McPherson, 
Hon. A- L. McPherson. D. Tomlinson, and many others 
came to the county. 

centre;township. 

In 1858 Centre township was organized by E.B.Newton, 
and the first election held at Gnthrie Centre. Jas. Ewing, 
Chas. Huxley, and E. B. Newton constituted the first town- 
ship board. 

The first settlement was made by W. W. Newton, who 
came to the county in 1854, and entered the S. E. ^ Sec. 18- 
80-32. There were then but three families living on the 
South 'Coon — a lonely outlook for Mr. Newton. He was 
the first township clerk; established the first hardware store 
in Guthrie Centre, in 1870, at which time he also did busi- 
ness as a real estate agent. Mr. Newton served in the late 
war, enlisting on the 21st day of March, 186-4, in Company 
L, Fifth Iowa Cavalry. He is now in Union township, at 
Walnut Grove. 

Hon. Isaac Parrish came to the State in the spring of 1854, 
settling in Des Moines, where he remained one year, when 
he came to Guthrie county and settled on the west side of 
Brushy Fork, but made his first improvement on the Shaw 
place. He dealt largely in real estate, entering a great deal 
of land in Guthrie and other counties. He was the first 
resident attorney in the county; was District Attornej'' in 
1855. In 1857 he removed to De Soto, Nebraska, but re- 
turned in a short time to Harrison county, Iowa, where he 
died in 1860. 

In 1839-40 Mr. Parrish represented the Cambridge, Ohio, 
District in Congress, and in 1844-5 he represented the 
McConnellsville District, same State. 

In November, 1855, Mr, Chas. Huxley, came to the county, 
and from the date of his arrival until the 14th of April, he, 
with his family — seven all told — existed in a shanty 12x12 
in size, without a floor, and so low that the wolves, which 
which were then quite numerous, ran over the roof, making 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 69 

anything but sweet music in the ears of the lady and wee 
ones. To Mr. H. it was equal, if not superior, to an or- 
gan (possibly of the hand variety). AVhen Mr. Huxley 
built a chimney, which necessary appurtenance the hut 
lacked, his tools were, a horse shoe, which he used as ham- 
mer, and a clap-board for a trowel; for morter, he used clay 
that had been thrown from a well; instead of the ordinary 
sticks, he used stone; when he "pulled" from its native 
bed, a huge specimen of the latter, in order to release two 
smaller ont^;^ which he wished to use, two large wolves 
jumped over his head. Of course he knew they were 
wolves, but some new-comers would have thought that away 
out here in Iowa, stones had legs, (we are not accountable 
for what we think wlitn frightened) Mr. Parrish generously 
'• let " this house to Mr. Huxley, free of rent. They too, 
used the hickory pole, double bed, which, during the day, 
answered the purpose of a sofa. 

That Mrs. Huxley was homesick is not to be wondered at, 
for surely the prospect was not a very bright one. To cap 
the climax of the terrors of a new country, a bald-headed 
neighbor (any body within fifteen or twenty miles was a 
a neighbor,) called one evening, and overhearing the re- 
mark that he looked young to be so bald, explained that it 
was the effects of the cold Iowa winders, w^hereupon the lady 
insisted upon "going back; she would not stay in a land 
so cold as to freeze the top of a man's head like that." 

In April, 1856, Mr. Huxley moved into a log mansion 16 
xl8 in size, which he erected on the corner of Fifth and 
State streets. (Guthrie Centre, in the meantime, having 
been laid out.) This building now stands on Main street, 
two doors west of the post office, and is occupied by An- 
drew Hazlet, as a harness shop. I have in my possession 
a photograph of this building, which I shall bequeath 
(when photographs cease to interest me,) to the Old Settler's 
Association. 

Mr. Huxley, ever alive to the interests of his town and 
count}'", is an honored and much respected citizen. 
5 



70 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

ISox. 3, 1855, Wm. Tracy and family landed in Guthrie 
county. There were then no houses to rent, and on a cold, 
bleak prairie, in a driving snow storm, wife and children 
weeping bitterly, what was he to do f Of himself, he could 
do nothing, but Mr. Newton, who lived at a short distance 
from the present site of Guthrie Centre, kindly offered him 
the use of the loft in his cabin until he could do better. The 
offer was gladly accepted, and they climbed a ladder to 
their place of abode, Mrs. Tracy going last. When she 
reached the top of the ladder the loft was so full she sat 
down on the Hoor and kept her feet on the top round of the 
ladder. 

Mr. Tracy entered the land uj)on which Guthrie Centre 
stands, and sold it to E. B. Newton in the spring of '5G. 

In 1857 he built the first saw mill in the township, which 
was afterward made a flouring mill. It is told of a miller 
whom Mr. T. employed, that he would float the screenings 
d-own stream for his swine, and if, perchance, a poor little 
fish sought a bite he would whip the water to drive the fish 
away. 

Mr. Tracy is a native of Belmont count}^, Ohio, educated 
at Sarahsville; commenced the practice of law in 1858. He 
has been editor, miller, farmer, real estate dealer and law- 
yer. He is now engaged in the practice of law. 

In May, 1856, William Holsman came to the county, set- 
tling twelve miles above Guthrie Centre; in 1858 he re- 
moved to Panora, and in 1862 to Lynn Grove, where he 
owns a farm of 1,000 acres, half of which is under cultiva- 
tion. In 1858 he was a^^pointed Sherift' to succeed Lee 
Brumbaugh. He has served as such officer for five j^ears. 

Mr. Holsman is extensively engaged in stock raising, 
paying considerable attention to the breeding of fine stock. 
His farm is well timbered and watered, and one of the best 
improved farms in the county. 

In the spring of 1856 Guthrie Centre was laid out by E. 
B. Newton, (who afterward sold an interest to Capt Seely,) 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 71 

on the east half of the southwest quarter, and the north- 
west quarter of the southeast quarter of section 6-79-31. 

The first building erected was that of Mr. Huxley. 

The next was that of Mr. Warrington, a blacksmith shop, 
which stood on the corner of Ninth and State streets. This 
was built of buckeye logs, and was used for three years, 
without a chimney, Mr. Warrington being unable to pro- 
cure the brick necessary for its construction. In the sum- 
mer of '57 he built a log house and moved his family into 
it (they were stopping with Mr. Huxley,) before there was 
a roof on it. In the meantime Mr. Newton had erected a 
frame building 16x20 — the one now occupied by Godfrey 
Jerew. as a dwelling — the use of which he donated to the 
citizens for church and school purposes. The first religious 
service was held in September, by Rev. Mr. Meek, of Audu- 
bon county, who came on Saturday night, stopping with 
Mr. Warrington. He brought with him his own robe and 
pillow, and made his own bed on the ground, in the cabin. 
There was a very hard rain that night, and when they arose 
from their d(r)owny couches, one of them remarked, 'if we 
■don't grow it is not because we are not well watered." 

While the minister preached to the sinners at church, Mr. 
Warrington shod his horse, which had to be i^icketed on 
the prairie. The divine found this such a convenient ar- 
rangement, saving so much time and expense, that he re- 
peated the practice whenever it was necessary. Mr. Meek 
was of the M. E. Church, South. 

Blacksmith shops were not numerous in those days, and 
work was brought to Mr. Warrington from Audubon, Shel- 
by and other counties. In 1865 he was engaged by the 
Western Stage Company, to do their shoeing from Des 
Moines to Council Blutfs. His shop was then kept in a 
wagon, as he traveled from one station to another. If he 
met a stage he compelled the driver to stop while he ex- 
amined the shoes of the horses. Mr. Warrington has asso- 
ciated with him Mr. Cyphers. 
• The first school was taught by Louis A. Ileno, in 1857. 



72 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

The place was of course wild and new, and deer and elk 
were no nncommon sight. A few days after the opening of 
the school, four or five handsome deer came up to the door, 
and the little ones (Dr. Huxley was among them,) all 
jumped up and ran to see them. The teacher, though not a 
profane man, in his excitement, remarked (to himself of 
course,) '' I be dod denied if I don't wish I had my gun." 

The next building erected in Guthrie Centre was a frame 
dwelling, by George Bike, in 1858, and though not intended 
for such use, was kept as a hotel. There being no hotel in 
the neighborhood, travellers would come and beg permis- 
sion to stop, and he could not turn them away, so the first 
thing he knew he was keeping hotel. 

His sisters, now Mrs. E. B. Newton and Mrs. Dickey were 
keeping house for him, and though their accommodations 
were few and small, and their meals, of necessity, tiery plain, 
yet their kindness and cheerful efforts to make their guests 
comfortable, endeared them to all. 

The present hotel was built by Judge De Long in 1858 — 
George Bike doing the carpenter w^ork — and sold to S. Reid, 
who kept the first " regular '• hotel. In 1874 Richard Pat- 
terson purchased, enlarged and improved the house. In 
May, 1876, David Wesley took charge, Mr. Patterson retir- 
ing for a time to rest, he and his family having worked very 
hard to make the Pacific House comfortable and home-like 
for guests. 

To continue the business Houses of Guthrie Center, James 
Lyons, dry goods and groceries; established in 1870. 

Mr. Lyons served in the late war, enlisting in the First 
Iowa Cavahy. Was wounded, and discharged in the 
spring of '62. Again enlisted in the Twenty Seventh Iowa 
Infantiy, as 2d Lieutenant in Aug. '62. Quit the service in 
1863, having been disabled, in consequence of wounds re- 
ceived at Montevallo, Missouri in '62. 

Stover Brothers & Motz, successors to Motz, keep a 
general store, in a good building 22x80, on Main street. I. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 73 

E. Motz is an old settler, having come to the county in 
1861; business established in 1847. 

Prior & Shocklin, groceries, boots and shoes; opened in 
'75. Both these gentlemen are old settlers, Mr. Prior com- 
ing to the county in June, 18.56. He first settled at Bear 
Grove, and came to Guthrie Centre in '66. Mr. Shocklin 
came in June, 1858, and went into the boot and shoe busi- 
ness. 

Woods & Headlee, groceries; established in April, 1876. 
David Woods served nine months in the 18th Ohio Inf. 

Jones & Yancleef, groceries; successors to Jones & Lee. 
Mr. Jones came to the county in the spring of 1873, and R. 
G. Vancleef in the fall of the same year. 

The latter gentleman served in the 28th Iowa Infantry 
three years; was in thirteen engagements and numerous 
skirmishes; was with the first Iowa troops who went to 
Washington, and the first to rout the rebels from the Shen- 
andoah Valley. 

D. H. Brumbaugh, hardware and agricultural implements, 
established in 1873. Mr. Brumbaugh has a good store- 
building 22x70 ft., story and a half high. He occupies the 
entire building; has a good stock, and is doing a good busi- 
ness. Attentive and obliging, he finds his way to the hearts 
of the people, and wins their esteem, which he deserves. 

Mr. Brumbaugh is an old settler, having come to the 
county in 1854, with his father, Daniel Brumbaugh, senior, 
who settled on Middle Raccoon river, and built the saw mill 
in 1855. 

Lenon & Bower, drugs; successors to Dr. Bower, who 
established the business in 1872. The present firm have 
been doing business since 1875, since which time it has 
steadily increased. Mr. Lenon came to the county in Dec, 
1859, since which time he has been engaged in business in 
Panora, Stuart and Guthrie Centre. 

- Elias Costenbader, furniture; this is the first furniture 
store ever established in the place; opened in 1870. 

S. J. Lee, agricultural implements; opened in '73. 



74 HISTORY OF GUTIIKIE COUNTY. 

Wm. Neely, bakery and restaurant ; established in 76; 
gets np warm meals on short notice. He served in the 157th 
N. Y. Infantry, as color sergeant; was in a number of 
battles. Mr. Xeely was also in the regular service, in the 
Mexican war. 

D. Jones, livery stable; opened in '75, and is the first 
ever opened in the place. 

Carson H. Prior, jeweler; opened in '76; is an old settler^ 
having come to the county in '56, at the tender age of eigh- 
teen months. 

Stephen Earle, wagon maker, 1870. 

McLuen & Gibson, blacksmiths; both old settlers. 

Andrew Hazlet, harness maker. 

J. H. Mohler, harness maker; successor to J. L. Glasner,. 
in 1874. Served twenty-nine months in the 92nd Ohio Inf.; 
was in the battles of Mission Ridge and Chicamauga, and 
numerous skirmishes. 

H. C. Church, meat market. 

E. A. Shelly, barber, 

Motz & Muntz, millers; the mill was built by Hollings- 
worth & Williams in *65. Mr. Motz purchased in 1873 and 
admitted Muntz as partner in '76. 

Mrs. Blanchard, millinery and dress making, opened in 
the spring of '75; keeps a full line of millinery goods and 
notions. 

Miss Alice McLuen, milliner; established in the spring of 
'73. She is an old settler, having come to the county with 
her parents in '55. 

Miss Crawford, music teacher. 

Rev. H. S. Fish, dentist; came to Guthrie Centre in Nov.^ 
1875. Mr. Fish received his literary and theological educa- 
tion at Lima, N. Y.; was ordained a minister in the Bap- 
tist Church in 1843. 

W. H. Stiles, attorney; is a native of Ohio, was educa- 
ted at Western, Lynn county, Iowa; came to Guthrie Cen- 
tre in 1873. 

A. K . Updegraflf, attorney; is a native of York county 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 75 

Pa., was educated at the Fairlield Union Academy, Ohio. 
He came to Panora in 18G8, where he commenced the prac- 
tice of law; removed to Guthrie Centre in 1874. May 6, '61, 
Mr. Updegraff enlisted in company E, 2nd Iowa Infantry. 

Wm. Tracy, attorney; (history given in the begiiming of 
the chapter.) 

J. B. Carpenter, attorney; was born in Plymoutli, Yt., 
August 13th, 1837, and received a common school and aca- 
demical education in that State and Massachusetts. At the 
age of eighteen he emigrated to Illinois, where he read law 
and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of that 
State in 1859. He practised law in Illinois and Texas until 
the year 1867, when he was appointed by the General Gov- 
ernment, one of the District Judges of the last named State. 
At the expiration of his term of office he engaged in the 
practice of his profession in Texas until 1873, when he re- 
turned north. March 1st, 1875, became to Guthrie Centre, 
and now devotes his whole time to th3 practice of law. 

Elbert W. Weeks, attorney; was born in Lake county, 
Ohio, Oct. 7th, 1851. Graduated from the law department 
of the Iowa Sate University, June 24, 1873. He came to 
Guthrie Centre in May, 1876, where he expects to remain. 
He has practiced his profession three years. Mr. Weeks is 
an old settler, if not of Guthrie county, at least of Iowa, 
having been in the State for twenty years. 

John Bower, physician and surgeon, is a native of Pa., 
was educated at Penn. College, Philadelphia. He came to 
the county in the spring of 1868, settling at Panora; re- 
moved to Guthrie Centre in the autumn of the same year. 
The doctor has practiced his profession for thirty years. 

C. E. Huxley, physician and surgeon, is a native of No- 
ble county, Ohio; w^as educated at Ann Arbor, Mich.; has 
been engaged in the practice of medicine since 1874. The 
doctor is an old settler; lie came with his father in 1855. 

J. Y. Hopkins, physician and surgeon, was educated at 
the "Medical College of Ohio," at Cincinnati. Emigrated 
to Iowa in 1853, and to Guthrie Centre in 1869, where he 



76 HISTORY OF GUTIIKIE COUNTY. 

has practiced his profession ever since. I am unable to 
give the doctor's nativity, as lie was born upon the briny 
deep during the voyage of his parents from Ireland to 
America. He is improving a nice farm one and a half miles 
north of town, to which he has given the name of Forest 
Home. 

Ira P. Wetmore, bank, abstract and real estate office. 
This bank was established in 1872 in Panora, and moved 
here in May, 1874; has a complete abstract of Gnthrie coun- 
ty. The bank building is a good two story frame, 18x32, 
with good office rooms above; fire-proof vault, of solid 
stone wall on the outside and brick inside, with air cham- 
bers between. The floor is solid masonry three feet thick. 
HalFs best burglar and fire-proof safe. 

Mr. Wetmore came to the county in '66. He is a native 
of Galesburg, 111., where he was educated. Dec, 1861, he 
enlisted in the 13th Illinois Cavalry; served one year as 
corporal, sergeant, and was detailed by General Boyd as 
scout. One incident of his army life has deeply impressed 
him with " man's inhumanity to man." His comrade, one 
Church, a scout,was overtaken and his horse shot from under 
him; in falling, his leg was so crushed he could not move. 
The rebels carried him into a building which had been used 
by our boys as a commissary store room, chained him to 
the w^all, and, — inhuman wretches, — fired the building. Mr. 
Wetmore is the possessor of three fine farms, the one just 
east of town being one of the finest in the county. 

A novelty in agriculture, is Mr. Wetmore's " potato 
patch." It is a mound, or rather block of earth four feet 
square, built of sod on the outside, and filled in with loose 
dirt; the potatoes are put in near the surface. This is cer- 
tainly a combination of the useful and the ornamental, as 
its object is to save room, and I am sure it looks pretty. 

F. A. Mann, editor and proprietor of the Beacon Light; 
came to Guthrie Centre April 18, 1S74; Mr. Mann purchased 
the half interest in the Journal, owned by Henry Hess, and in 
conjunction with H Kautzman enlarged and changed the 



niSTOEY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 77 

Journal to the Beacon Light, issuing the first number of the 
latter on the 20th of May following. In March, 1875, F. A. 
Mann purchased tlie interest owned in the paper by H. 
Kautzman, and from that time to the present, the patron- 
age and circulation of the Beacon Light has been steadily 
increasing. Mr. Mann Avas born Aug. 17th, 1839, at Mt. 
Pleasant, Hamilton county, Ohio. Came to Davis county, 
Iowa, June 3d, 1856. Railroads were then scarce in Iowa, 
and the western and northwestern portions of the State 
were unsettled. In 1862 he moved to Guthrie county, lo- 
cating on a small tract of wild land in Beaver valley. Here 
he remained until 1874, when he entered the newspaper 
business. 

Mr. Mann was educated at Farmer's College, College Hill, 
Ohio, formerly Gary's College. Of this College Freeman 
Cary was President and founder, and Hon. S. F. Cary 
Treasurer. Mr. Mann's mother was a school-mate of Alice 
and Phoebe Cary, his grandmother occupied a conspicu- 
ous place in Alice's " Clover Nook," of which the village 
of Mt. Pleasant is the original. Mr. Mann's father. Dr. 
Horace C. Mann, was the first Free Soil candidate for Con- 
gress in the Cincinnati District, and received thirty odd 
votes. A great grand father was one of the first settlers in 
the Miami Valley, Ohio, at the beginning of the century, 
receiving from the Government a large tract of land near 
Middletown, for his services in the Revolution. 

Mr. Jno. E. Parrish, foreman in the Beacon Light office, 
and first editor in the county, (editor of the Guthrie Sentinel 
in '56,) is a native of Cambridge, Gurnsey county, Ohio. 
He came to Guthrie in 1855, remained until the winter of 
'57, when he moved his printing press to De Soto, Nebraska, 
where he edited the Pilot. In 1864 he returned to Panora, 
remaining only a short time, when he went to Oregon and 
California'. Finding no better place than Iowa, he returned 
in 1870 to Guthrie Centre. 

Jas. H. Rogers, our present Recorder, was born in Essex 
county, N. Y. ; was educated at St. Lawrence Academy, 



78 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

same State. He came to Guthrie county in 1870; taught 
school and read law until October, 1873, when he was ap- 
pointed Deputy Auditor. Mr. Rogers was elected County 
Recorder in 1874, has been nominated for re-election in 1876, 
and will in all probability be elected. 

H. K. Dewey, County Auditor, was born in Royalton, 
Windsor county, Vermont; educated at the same place, and 
at Commercial College, Hartford, Conn. He came to 111. 
in 1865, and to Guthrie county in 1869. Previous to his 
election to the office of Auditor he was engaged as a farmer. 
In Illinois was engaged in the drug business. 

Guthrie Centre was made an independent district in April, 
1876. Principal of the school, H. E. Long; assistant, Miss 
Mary Bower. The latter was educated at the University, 
at Iowa City, the former at Knoxville. The schools num- 
ber about one hundred pupils; the houses are small, but the 
contract has been let for building a new and commodious 
brick building during the centennial year. 

The M. E. Church was organized in 1856 by Rev. Mr. 
Anderson, with nine members, three of whom are still mem- 
bers. The present membership is ninety. The church 
building was erected in 1870. 

There is also a Baptist Church, of which I unfortunately 
did not obtain the history. Rev. H. S. Fish is the Baptist 
minister. There are five organizations of this denomina- 
tion of christians, and two church buildings in the county. 

Masonic Lodge was chartered in 1858, with ten members. 
It'now has a membership of fifty, with Dr. J. Y. Hopkins, 
Master; Senior Warden, H. K. Dewey; Junior Warden, 
Levi Cyphers; Treasurer, A. K. Updegraff"; Secretary, F. 
A. Mann. 

There is also an Odd Fellows Lodge. 

■ The Post Office, the general history of which is given 

elsewhere, was made a money order office in July, 1875. 

No. of orders issued is 587; paid out, $6,285, and deposited 

$5,895; making an average of about $1,100 per month. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 79" 

Average number of letters daily 150. Chas. Huxley, post 
master. 

Mr. Huxley kept the first post office in the old log build- 
ing, which he put up in 1856. He has been post master 
most of the time since. 

E. J. Reynolds, County Treasurer, came to Guthrie with 
his father, Gillam Reynolds, in June, 1852, settling on the 
hill southeast of Panora, where he entered the S. W, i of 
section 5-80-30, and much more in the same farm. The 
father died in 1857. When they first came, there were twenty- 
four of them, (two or three uncles and their families,) and 
they all lived in a cabin 18x20. A " goods " box was their 
table, and the floor their chairs. They went to mill near 
Winterset, going as had been their wont in the east, when- 
ever they were nearly out of bread-stufis. Here it was all 
corn. In December they went to mill, remained over night, 
and started back in the morning. In the afternoon of the 
first day it commenced snowing, and continued to snow and 
blow all the next day. It was with difficulty they traveled 
at all. They went all day long, and into the night without 
a mouthful to eat. Blinded by the snow, hungry and al- 
most frozen, they were about giving up in despair when 
they heard the bark of a dog. They followed the sound, 
which led them back a short distance in the direction from 
which they had come, and finally up to a cabin. They 
went to the door to beg permission to stop, when lo, they 
found themselves at home. It was then eleven o'clock, and 
they had passed the house, and were only saved by poor 
old Towser. 

From the hunting stories that are told, they must have done 
some hunting in this township. Two old settlers, T. and N., 
went out to follow the trail of a deer; they saw him run into 
the brush, and it was agreed that T. should go through the 
brush and N. would go round it. Pretty soon he started 
up close to T., who stood, guri in hand, watching for him. 
" Here he is, here he is, come quick, or he'll get away." He- 
forgot that his gun was loaded. 



80 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

They tell of a snake bunt too, in which two brave printer 
boys were concerned. A snake had gone into a hole in the 
ground, and the j)rinters, with a brave old English captain 
to command them, commenced war ujDon his snakeship. 
The captain, with a spade, threw out the ground, while 
typo stood with a hand-spike ready to kill him as soon as 
he should be brought to light. He was just telling what 
lie'd do if he saw the snake, when the captain gave the 
command to strike; he did strike — for home as fast as his 
heels would carry him, yelling at the top of his voice, ''take 
him off, take him off!" Typo number two ran also, but not 
so fast as number one. 

I have just learned an item about the first hotel keeping. 
They placed a board on tressels for a table, and sat on the 
floor Instead of chairs; in course of time they took this ta- 
ble for a bench, upon which to sit, and made a higher bench 
on the same plan, which answered the purpose of a table. 

The first agricultural society was organized in 1859, with 

E. B. Newton, President; Thos. Seely, Secretary; J. J. 
Groom, Treasurer. The first fair was held in Guthrie Cen- 
tre, and all articles, except live stock, were exhibited in the 
school house. 

The race track extended around one entire block. 

On the 15th of June, 1875, an old settlers' meeting was 
held at Guthrie Centre, for the purpose of effecting a i^er- 
manent organization. J. W. Cummins was President, and 

F. A. Mann, Secretary. 

Permanent officers were selected by committee as fol- 
lows: J. W. Cummins, President ; Thomas Seely, Yice- 
President; Wm. Tracy, second Vice-President; John Cline, 
Corresponding Secretary; and Wm. Holsman, Treasurer. 

Thos. Seely, E. B. Newton, and Wm. Holsman, were ap- 
pointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. 

The constitution and by-laws of the old settlers' associ- 
ation of Scott county, with slight alteration, were adopted. 

To go back to Guthrie Centre — it is situated in the south 
'Coon valley, surrounded by prairie ridges and wooded 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 81 

slopes. Yon can trace the river np and down, for a consider- 
able distance, by the timber, which skirts its borders. To 
the west and north you behold those beautiful undulations 
which so charm the eye, and in the distance look so like the 
billowy ocean. A little west of south, you see Dalmanutha,. 
while, seemingly, in a direct line east of, and at a distance 
of what seems to be a quarter of a mile, but is really one 
mile, stands a grove of some dozen trees, which look like 
so many sentinels, placed there to guard some hidden 
treasure. This is the site of Gopher station. Here and 
there the prairie is dotted with a herd of cattle grazing 
quietly; here and there a grove and a farm house. 

As you come down middle 'Coon and Brushy valleys, you; 
behold scenery equal in beauty to that found in any part of 
the State. At this season of the year (June) the prairie is 
one continuous carpet of flowers, while the trees and the 
grass are of the greenest green. 

Guthrie Centre has no railroad; but, then, to her credit 
be [it said, she has no saloons. She may lack some ad- 
vantages, but, happy Centre, she has soft water in her wells. 
This, to the ladies (gentlemen don't care; they don't have 
to scrub and wash, and spoil their hands; they're a careless 
lot, any way), is of untold value, and they can forego many 
of the so-called advantages of the hard water towns for the 
sake of this great luxury. Casey, too, has soft water. 

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP. 

Thompson township was organized in 1858, and is the 
second from the west line of the county, in the southern 
tier. The first settlement was made in 1853, by Aaron Cop- 
poc and A. E. Porter. In 1854, Mr. Coppoc laid out the 
town of Dalmanutha, and John Betts kept the first stage 
station, which was then the most important business of the 
place. 

The site of Dalmanutha is on high, rolling ground, about 
six miles north of Casey, on the old stage route, which was 
also the original Mormon trail. Though it has gone to de- 



82 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

cay — nothing being left but tlie residence of Mr. Porter and 
the post office — it once contained three hotels, three black- 
smith shops, and a dry goods and grocery house. 

In 1855, Rev. J. C. Johnson came to the county, settling 
four miles west of Casey. There were then but three or four 
families in what is now Thomj)son township. Like all the 
rest of the early seitlers, they were obliged to bring their 
corn and other necessaries from Adel and Des Moines, and 
sometimes even as far as Keokuk. 

" The groves were God's first temples;" so thought these 
worthy pioneers, who, during the summer of '55, held relig- 
ious service in Stanfield's grove, protected from the wind 
aild sun by the friendly trees only. Mr. Johnson was as- 
sisted in his clerical labors by Rev. Aaron Coppoc, a cousin 
of the Coppoc whose soul commenced its celestial march 
with poor old John Brown, or shortly thereafter. 

Mr. Johnson owns a farm of five hundred and sixty acres, 
being the largest farm in the township. 

*The first school was taught by a Miss Chantry, in 1857, 
at her brother's house, and numbered ten pupils. In 1860, 
the neighbors built a log cabin school house, wherein was 
held a subscription school. This cabin, which was built at 
Stanfield's grove, answered the double jDurpose of school 
house and church. 

The creed of these faithful worshippers was that (»f 
United Brethren. 

Casey — a description of which is given in another place — 
is situated in this township. 

Among the "solid" farmers are E. B. Newton, E. A. 
Porter, J. A. Porter, D. L. Chantry, W. A. Jefferson, G. 
N. Driggs, M. N. Chantry, S. B. Chantry, W. M. Ander- 
son, A. S. Miller, W. W. Stanfield, S. P. Thompson, H. H. 
Jones, and others. 

E. A. Porter conducts a large dairy for the manufacture 
of butter exclusively, in which he uses the milk of two hun- 
dred cows. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUI^TY. 83 

Mr. E. ;B. Newton, one of the early and prominent set- 
tlers, came to the township in 1869; to the county in July, 
1853.. 

He first settled at Panora, which, at that time, contained 
one house. The first thing he did was to look up the county 
judge, whom he probably expected (?) to find in his ofiice, 
dressed in his best broadcloth, and lounging in an easy 
chair. Instead, he met him on the road, in the dress of a 
laboring man, and carrying a " shaving horse" on his back. 
The county oflices, in those days, were not fat enough to 
keep their holders in broadcloth. Mr. Newton lived in 
Panora about a year, when he moved to Jackson township, 
two and a half miles south of Panora, where he remained a 
year, when he removed to Guthrie Centre, at which place he 
remained until his removal to Thompson township, where 
he has a beautiful home, surrounded with^every comfort. 
His home is net only beautiful and comfortable, but hospi- 
table, as his friends can testify. Mr. Newton is also a real 
estate dealer with an office in the town of Guthrie, which is 
distant from his home about three miles. The farm upon 
which he resides contains over four hundred acres. Mr. 
Newton is the principal founder of Guthrie Centre, of which, 
as well as his connection with the mail route through the 
county, mention is made in another place. 

Mr. S. W. Cole, another settler, now a resident of Casey, 
came to Guthrie count}^ in 1858. 

In that year occurred one of the worst floods ever known 
in this part of Iowa, unless we except that of '51. It com- 
menced raining the 12th of May, and rained almost continu- 
ously until the 13th day of June. Mr. Cole brought a load 
of goods here in the spring, returning to Iowa City for his 
family in July. The only bridge on the route, that had not 
been swept away, was the old Scott bridge, over the Des 
Moines river, at the " Fort." 

Mr. Cole had a large family, and had also some fine stock 
with him. Mr. Scott, the proprietor of the bridge, and one 
of Polk county's old settlers, looked at the '• outfit" a mo- 



84 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

ment, and asked him where he was going. "To Guthrie 
connty, sir." " Let him pass, said he to his man; " any 
man who takes a family of that size, and such stock, to a 
new county, ought never to pay toll." They followed the 
stage road, and when they reached Dale City, they found it 
impossible to cross, so they were obliged to go up to 
Brushy, where a temporary bridge had been erected. The 
stages crossed the river at Dale City in a boat. 

]Mr. Cole first settled near Guthrie Centre; but in the 
spring of '59, moved to a large farm of 480 acres, in Beaver 
township, where he engaged extensively in the raising of 
fine stock, in which he has been very successful. The best 
beef and butter we have ever had, during a twelve years' 
residence in the county, came from the herd and dairy of 
Mr. Cole. In 1859 and '60, he run a threshing machine, and 
during that time he hauled wheat to Des Moines, and sold 
it at 22i cents per bushel. 

Thompson township is being rapidly settled, and in a 
few years there will be no wild lands; all will be made into 
farms. Some partslof its surface are rough, but most of it 
is desirable farming land. Middle river is its p'rincipal 
stream. 

VALLEY TOWNSHIP 

was organized in 1872, and lies west of Jackson, embracing 
Tp. 79 — north of Range 31, west. 

The first settlement was made by A. G. Weeks, in 1851, 
being a part of the farm of Mrs. Willy and family. Mr. 
D. E. Willy, husband of Mrs. Willy, settled in this town- 
ship in 1855, on a farm of six or seven hundred acres of 
land, being one of the most desirable locations in the 
county. 

Mr. W. J. Revell is also one of the early settlers of 1854; 
resides upon the same farm he at first located, which is one 
of the largest and best improved in the county. 

George Headlee and the Swan family, early residents, 
settled in the same vicinity in 1856. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 85 

Capt. Thomas Seely, a native of Wayne county, New 
York, is doubly entitled to his title, as, previous to his com- 
ing west he " navigated"' Lake Superior as captain of a 
steamer, and was also a captain in the war of the rebellion. 
He came to Guthrie when it was wild and new, and, with an 
abiding faith in the future greatness of our county and 
State, he has ever been steadfast in his devotion to their 
best interests. He was appointed county surveyor in 1854; 
treasurer in 1855; a member of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion; register of the State Land Office; agent to select our 
swamp lands; County Supervisor; and has filled all these, 
with all other places of trust to which he has been called, 
with honor to himself and satisfaction to all. He came to 
the county in 1853; lived at Panora, Bear Grove, and Guth- 
rie Centre until the year 1859, when he removed to his 
present farm, two miles southeast of Guthrie Centre. This 
is a beautiful farm of four or five hundred acres, a fine 
orchard, and nice artificial groves. 

Elwood Brown, an old settler in this part of the county, 
came, I believe,''in 1856. He was a native of Pennsylvania; 
was a "veteran wheel horse" in the Whig, Free Soil, and 
Republican parties. He was an original thinker and 
writer; was kind, generous, and charitable; unobtrusive, 
yet firm in his convictions and steadfast in principle. In 
September, 1869, he departed this life, and we all felt that a 
great sorrow had fallen upon us. A true friend had left us; 
a good man was gone. 

One son, Webb, who, in the late war, had been in every 
battle and skirmish in which his regiment engaged, and es- 
caped unhurt, when about the last shot was fired, fell by 
a rebel bullet. 

Another son Howard, a geritleman of fine intellect and 
liberal education, full of generous impulses and true to his 
trust, whatever it might be, died in 1874, at St. Joseph, Mis- 
souri. 

Mrs. Brown is still living, I believe with their only 
daughter, Mrs. Harlan. 



86 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

In lSi)6, G. W. Harlan came from Pennsylvania, where 
he had been engaged in the dry goods trade; but meeting 
with misfortune, he concluded to come west and "try his 
fortune." He owns a "fine farm, about three miles south of 
Guthrie Centre. Mr. Harlan was elected County Treasurer 
in 1867, and has taken a warm interest in the welfare of the 
county. 

Another settler of 1856, is Major Farnsworth, who lives 
near the east line of the township. He has been engaged in 
the nursery business, in which he has been unfortunate, 
though he is cheerful, and goes on the try, try again plan. 

Speaking of the comparatively easy times now-a-days, 
he said: " It is true, the hail storm of last fall (1875) de- 
stroyed 43,000 trees for me, beside a bearing orchard of 
2,000 trees, but that's nothing. I have plenty to go on yet; 
but when, in '57, I had but few cattle, and most of them 
died, and I had little else, I almost had the blues. Not 
only myself suffered, but my neighbors as well. There 
were no land marks by which we could go from one place 
to another, and we had to stay Indoors and eat hominy, 
which we made by boiling corn in lye, which process hulled 
it; then we cooked it, and, if we happened to have salt, we 
seasoned it; if not, we didn't." 

The Assessor, in 1857, reported one family in twenty as 
having coffee in the house. 

The winter of 1849-50, was excessively cold and stormy. 
As an offset to this, the next winter, '50-1, was mild and 
pleasant. On the 20tli day of May, 1851, it commenced 
raining, and rained for forty days and nights, without a 
single intermission of twenty -four hours. The streams were 
so swollen as to be impassable, and the crops were much 
injured. 

In 1853, cattle lived out doors nearly all of the time until 
the last of February, when there was a deep snow fall, that 
lay on the ground until April. 

From "The Guthrie Sentinel," I see that snow fell in 



HISTORY OF GUTIIKIE COUNTY. 87 

December, 1856, to the depth of many inches, drifting to the 
depth of fifteen feet in some places. 

The winter of 1856 was very severe, stunting the cattle to 
such a degree that they did not sufficiently recover to en- 
dure tlie winter of 1857, which is referred to by the old set- 
tlers as " the hard winter." Much of the stock perished 
from insufficient food and shelter. 

The snow was so deep, the men made snow shoes, and 
went to mill and to the grocery with hand sleds. 

In the summer of 1858, Guthrie was visited with another 
flood, commencing on the 12th of May, and rained almost 
continuously until the 13th of June. 

Among the prominent citizens of Valley township, not 
already mentioned, are, Mr. Harmon Reed, father and bro- 
thers, who, though not of the earliest settlers, are good, 
substantial citizens, and valuable acquisitions to the 
county. 

Thomas Henderson and brother, sons of Judge James 
Henderson, came at an early day, and are men of consider- 
able means and excellent taste, as their fine farms, fine 
groves, good orchards, and pleasant homelike homes tes- 
tify. 

At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, in October, 
1875, it was ordered that the township boundaries be 
changed, to conform with the congressional townships. 
Cass and Jackson being dissatisfied with the change, it was 
ordered, at the June session, 1876, that their boundaries re- 
main unchanged. The above change gives us two new 
townships. Seely, Baker and Centre are no more. 

VICTORY AND UNION TOWNSHIPS. 

Victory township was organized in 1871. The first set- 
tler in this territory was John Vanorder in 1851. 

Among the early settlers, are, Thomas Moffitt, A. H. 
Haughtelin, the Reeds and the Vandeventers. 

The first death was that of Mrs. Jacob Vanorder. 



88 iiisTor.y of gutiikie county. 

Middle 'Coon and Brnsliy Fork drain the township. (The 
original name of the latter stream was East Fork, bnt ow- 
ing to the brushy nature of the timber along its banks, it 
has been christened Brushy Fork.) 

The surface is generally rolling, except that portion lying 
north of 'Coon river, which is level. This is well adapted 
to grain and stock raising. The high, rolling prairie be- 
tween the two rivers presents one of the finest view^s to be 
found in the west, and, with its fine, rich land, makes it one 
of the most desirable locations for a home the heart could 
wish. 

Brush}^ Fork has but little timber. Middle 'Coon, which 
runs through the township from east to west, is well lined 
with all the kinds of timber common to Iowa. There is one 
good saw mill on this stream, with several good mill sites, 
which will probably be improved al no distant day. Some 
of the most desirable farming land in the county is found 
in Victory. There are many fine farms and a number of 
fine orchards, that of A. H. Haughtelin, numbering one 
thousand bearing trees; said to be the best in the county. 
Mr. Dunley has six hundred trees, nearly all in bearing. 
There are also others, smaller, but quite good orchards. 

The farmers as a class — mostly " Buckeyes" and "Hoos- 
iers"— are hospitable and kind, and their eff'orts to bring 
their schools up to the highest standard of country schools, 
attest their intelligence. 

The widow McClaren is an old settler in this township. 
Judge Thomas Moffitt settled at Moffitt's Grove in 1852. He 
has been Count}^ Judge; is now post master of Moffitt's 
Grove post office, and is seventy-five years old. 

Union township was organized in 1862, with thirteen 
voters . 

The first settlement was made by John Frost, in 1854. 
The first birth occurred in Mr. Frost's family in May, '55. 

The first death was that of Peter Luckinbill, who lived 
and died on the farm now owned by Robert Harron. He 
died in the winter of '57 — the winter the old settlers will 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 89 

never forget — and lay dead for six weeks before lie could be 
buried, on account of the storms and deep snow. The snow 
was so deep and drifted, they could get to no burial place; 
and if they could, the ground was frozen so deep and hard, 
they could not dig a grave. His eldest son died the same 
year. 

The first church organization was effected in 1858, by Rev. 
Jas. Carrie, of Panora, who held religious worship every 
three weeks, at the residence of E. D.'lvers. This was a 
Methodist organization. 

In June, 1858, a subscription school was taught by Miss 
Philena Jordan, in a log cabin, built for the purpose by the 
patrons of the school. Whole number of pupils enrolled 
was twelve. 

In 1859, a grant was made for a school district, subject to 
the school board of Centre township, and a school house 
built by the same in 1860. Miss Jordan continued teach- 
ing for some time after the school house was built. 

The population of the township now is 286. Voters, 70. 

This township possesses desirable farming land, and, 
except a lack of railroad facilities, has many inducements 
for farmers seeking new homes. It has timber sufficient for 
practical uses, while groves are being planted for shade, 
protection from storms, and for prospective fuel. Water 
privileges, too, are sufficient for the demand. 
Among the prominent farmers are C. B. True, T. Johnson, 
M. A. Collins, L. Ansberry, C. C. Nesselroad, J. Stewart, 
and others. 

Mr. Nesselroad is an old settler. 

HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP. 

On the second day of April, 1860, there was filed, with the 
county judge of Guthrie county, a petition, asking that the 
territory, known as 81 — 30, be formed into a civil township, 
and the same be called Highland. The petition was granted, 
and in the following November the township was organized 
by electing A. Littlejohn, County Supervisor; Wm. McCoy, 



90 HISTORY OF GUTHEIE COUNTY. 

Township Clerk; J. W. Arrovvsmitli, Justice of the Peace; 
John McCoy, J. A. Clearwater and W. H. Clearwater, 
Trustees. Highland's share of the road fund for 1860, 
drawn from the County Treasurer, amounted to $16.18. 

The first settlement made in the township w^as by Richard 
Squires and family, who moved from Illinois, and settled 
upon and improved the s. e. i of Sec. 20, 81. 32. This was 
in 1853. One of his sons, W. B., settled upon the n. w. J 
of Sec. 21, and another son, N. J., improved the s. e. J of 
of Sec. 15, all in the summer of '53 In the autumn of '53, 
a Mr. Lamb settled on Sec. 18; William Hill and Samuel 
C«aming on Sec. 35, east of Willow Creek. 

In 1854 the following settlers came to the township: 
Alex. Littlejohn. who came from Indiana; Jacob Clear- 
w^ater, also from Indiana, and his two sons, J. A. and W. 
K., and Thomas Wilkison. In 1855 came J. W. Arrow- 
smith and Moses McCoy. In 1856 Charles and William 
Bowers came from England, and settled upon Sec. 30. 
Patrick Toole and Patrick McDonald, the latter the father 
of ex-sheriff M. McDonald, settled upon Sec. 19. 

Mr. McDonald afterward bought and improved the e. ^ 
of Sec. 6, and is the wealthiest farmer in the township. 

The first frame house w^as built in 1859 by H. J. Smith, 
on Sec. 20. Previous to Mr. Smith's leaving for Pike's 
Peak, he sold the house to the township trustees for a 
school house. They moved it from the e. i n. e. i Sec. 20, 
to the e. i of n. w. ^ of the same section. This was the 
only school house in the township until the fall of ^66^ 
when it caught fire and was burned to the ground. 

It w^as in this house the first election was held. The 
number of votes cast at said election w^as seventeen. After 
the destruction of the school house, the remainder of the 
term was taught in an old house belonging to R. J. Patter- 
son. During this term of school a new departure was 
inaugurated, that of teaching on Saturday and having no 
school on Monday, " so the big girls could do the washing- 
without staying out of school." This practice is still re- 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 91 

tained in some of the townships in the north-west part of 
the county. 

Previous to 1867 the township was not divided into sub- 
districts, the whole being one district. During the earlier 
years of the township's existence, one of her treasurers 
bought some hogs of a neighbor, promising to pay for 
them in a few weeks; the time expired, but the money was 
not forthcoming. 

" Well," thought the seller, "he'll go to Panora pretty 
soon to draw the school fund, and I think I'll go too, and 
see that he gets it." Accordingly, when Mr. Treasurer went 
to Panora to make a draw on the County Treasurer, his 
neighbor accompanied him, and without a warrant drew 
from the sub-treasurer the pay for his hogs. 

The first church was organized in 1860, by Rev. Adair of 
the M. E. church. 

The first temperance lecture was delivered in 1866,. by W. 
H. Games. An old settler says, that since that lecture 
they drink more buttermilk and less whisky, and in fact 
are thoroughly reconstructed, as the township can boast 
more temperance men than any other township in the 
county. A temperance society, which numbers forty mem- 
bers, was organized in 1875 by Mr. Games. 

The first school was taught by Wm. McCoy. 

There are two church organizations, the Methodist Epis- 
copal and the Christian, or New Light, each with about 
thirty members. There are also two Sabbath-schools, the 
Methodist Episcopal and a union school, both well at- 
tended. 

Religious meeetings are held in school houses !No. 5 and 
No. 8. There are, in this township, ten sub-districts and 
seven schools, about eighty voters and three hundred and 
forty inhabitants. 

Out of sixteen Granges of Patrons of Husbandry in the 
county, but four remain. One of these is in Highland. 

This township has an abundance of both coal and timber 



92 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

for all practical ])urposes. The timber consists of oak, 
walnut, hickory, ash, elm and maple. 

There are two coal banks opened, one on the farm of Mr. 
W. H. Games, and another on Section 28. Iron ore and 
sand stone are also found, the latter good for ])uilding pur- 
poses. The coal mined here is of excellent quality. 

Middle 'Coon river and Willow Creek furnish water 
power for manufacturing purposes, while these, with nu- 
merous spring branches, furnish water for live stock, the 
year round. The general surface is rolling, except in the 
north, above Willow Creek, where it is low. For produc- 
tiveness of soil, beaut}'' of scenery, puritj" of water and 
liealthfulness. Highland can well compare with the other 
townships, while in hospitality and general " mind-your- 
own-business," her intelligent people cannot be excelled. 

Among the " substantial *' citizens not already mentioned, 
are W, H, Games, Richard Patterson and M. McDonald. 

Mr, Games came to the county in 1865, settling where he 
now resides. No greed of gain has induced him to gather 
up all the acres within his reach, neglecting, thereby, to 
make his home comfortable for his family, but instead, lie 
has made his place a home, in the true sense of the word. 
He has built a good, comfortable farm-house, planted a 
grove and an orchard, beautified his door yard with ever- 
greens, built him a good, large barn, with all the necessary 
out-buildings, has his farm thoroughly cultivated, and with 
his amiable and intelligent wife, believes that happiness can 
be more easily attained by the cultivation of the head and 
heart, along with the cultivation of the soil. 

R. J. Patterson, who resides near Mr. Games and Chas. 
Smith, now deceased, came from Cincinnati in 1856, stop- 
ping a short time in Panora. They then went up on Brushy, 
a distance of twelve miles, now in Orange township, where 
they camped out, living in a tent during the day and sleep- 
ing in the wagon at night. This way they lived for six 
weeks, when they moved into a house on Mr. Smith's place, 
about six miles further up, which they had in the mean 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 93 

time built. And here, in a little log house, the two fam- 
ilies, consisting of fifteen persons, lived until the next 
winter. When they were on their way from Panora to 
their camping ground, Mrs. Patterson was anxiously look- 
ing for the residence of Isaac Parrish, who had sold 
them their land and who lived near it. Tired with watching 
and waiting, she was giving up the hope of ever seeing it, 
when suddenly coming to the top of a hill, she caught sight 
of a building and joyfully exclaimed, "0, there's the hen 
house, anyway! I presume we will soon see the house." 
" Yes, certainly," replied Richard, provoking man, for 
when they came up, lo and behold, it was the very house 
itself. 

The winter of 56-7 was the very hard winter, when so 
much stock perished. 

The ground was covered with snow and sleet nearly all 
winter, and was so slippery the settlers were obliged to draw 
their groceries from Panora on hand sleds. 

They began the winter with two sacks of iiour, two of 
middlings and some meal. The snow coming sooner than 
they expected it, they were not prepared for winter, as they 
would otherwise have been. When their supply of meal 
ran out, they ground corn on the cofiee mill, first drying the 
corn in the stove oven. It stormed so violently they were 
obliged to take their chickens into the house to save them. 

During one of the storms Mr. Patterson was on the south 
side of the house sawing wood, and little Frankie, now 
Mrs. Ham Kautzman, came out and went to the southeast 
corner of the house, the wind caught her up, carried her 
past her father, and on past the house, and in a moment 
more she would have been borne out of his reach, but the 
necessity of the moment gave him strength and speed, and 
he saved her. 

As soon as spring opened they returned to Panora, Mr. 
P. declaring "they couldn't come another such a winter 
on him." 

They returned to Cincinnati in a short time, where they 



94 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

remained a year or two; they then returned to Orange town- 
ship, w^here they remained several years. In 1874 they 
bought the hotel at Gnthrie Centre, w^hich they kept for two 
years, removing in the spring of '76 to Highland. 

Michael McDonald lives about two miles north of the resi- 
dence of Mr. Games, and is another successful farmer, as 
well as an old settler. He came with his father in 1856, be- 
ing then a lad of twelve j^ears. He staid at home like a 
good boy until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he 
insisted upon enlisting in the company then forming in 
the county; to this his father objected on account of his 
extreme youth. They were making hay, Michael mowing 
with a scythe. He started the old gentleman to the barn 
with a load of hay, draAvn by a yoke of oxen, while he 
took the only horse — no, it was an old blind pony, rode to 
Panora and enlisted. The next day his father came down 
and wanted him to return home. " Now look'e here, dad," 
said this young America, with a bit of the Emerald Isle 
clinging to him, " you can take me home if you want to, but 
I'll run away and go to Missouri and enlist, and once I'm 
over Mason Dixon's line you can't touch me." 

He didn't know what "Mason Dixon's" line meant, but 
thought it would scare the old gentleman, " all the same." 
Mr. McDonald was elected .Sheriff of the county in 1873. 

GRANT AND RICHLAND TOWNSHIPS. 

Grant w^as organized in 1869, a Congressional township. 

The first settler was John Wickersham, in 1857; the next, 
Joel E. James, in 185S. In 1867, Grant had three voters 
and about 200 acres of land in cultivation. In 1876 she 
has about one hundred voters and 6000 acres of land in 
cultivation. 

The first school was organized in 1870, There are now 
five schools. 

There are two religious societies organized, who hold 
worship in the school houses. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 95- 

The largest and best improved farm is that of Gf. W. 
Wetmore. embracing section 16, which he bought in lSb*8> 
but did not move upon it until October, 1874. It is all 
fenced and under cultivation. Mr. Wetmore employs ten 
or twelve teams and about ten hands; has on the farm twO' 
tenant houses, besides a beautiful and comfortable resi- 
dence. Two years ago Mr. W. jDlanted four and a-half 
miles of osage fence on his farm. He has 200 fruit trees, 
with four rows of soft maple 'round them. This is said to 
be the best improved farm in the county. Mr. Wetmore is 
a native of Galesburg, 111., and previous to his settling at 
"Hill Side," as he calls his farm, had been a real estate 
dealer. He is a descendant of Sir Walter Scott. 

Mr. Joel E. James, who came to the county in May, 1858, 
was here in time to see a little of the hard times. He came 
from Indiana and settled where he now resides. He built 
them a cabin and they lived in it during the summer with- 
out a roof. In the fall he made a roof of raw hides, which 
he procured in this way: emigrants passing through, fre- 
quently lost a cow or an ox, by death, which Mr. James 
would skin, drying the skin in the sun; these stretched 
over pole rafters made an excellent roof, being rain and 
wind proof. 

The two Mormon trails, one through Madison and Adair^. 
and the other through Guthrie, by Dale City and Dalma- 
nutha, came together and verged into one road near Mr. 
James' place. In 1858, when the last of the " hand cart 
brigade" went through, one woman, a fifth wife, deserted 
the train and took refuge with Mr. James and his family, 
where she remained a short time, when she went east. As 
frequent mention is made of the " Mormon trail" and the 
"hand cart" expedition, a very brief sketch of that expe- 
dition will not be out of place here. 

Until the year 1856, the Mormon emigrants had always 
made the journey across the plains, with ox carts under the 
charge of some of the elders, who were returning fron* 
their missionary labors across the ocean, bringing witli^ 



■96 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

them the fruits of their labors, in the jDersons of those who 
were converted to their faith. Tlie able-bodied went on 
foot, while those too young, too old or too feeble to walk, 
went in the wagons with the baggage. After much time 
, and deliberation spent on the subject of reducing expenses, 
Brigham Youno- hit upon the plan of having tham cross 
the plains in hand carts. 

Accordingly, Mr. Webb, father of Ann Eliza, was ordered 
to Iowa City from England, where he was engaged in mis- 
sionary work, to build the hand carts that should take the 
large number of converts to the new Zion. 

After camping some time at Iowa City without tents or 
shanties, they took up their weary march by companies, 
going through Guthrie on the old Mormon trail, through 
Morrisburg, Dale City and Dalmanutha. The carts were 
ordinarily drawn by one man and two women, some, how- 
ever, were drawn by women only, and when they came to a 
3X>ugli or muddy place, they doubled teams, one or two going 
behind the cart and pushing, by means of a forked stick, 
the fork being placed over the shoulder and under the arm, 
while the other end was placed against the cart. 

Each company was under the supervision of a captain, 
who rode in a caniage. The captains of the companies 
who went through in 1856, were Savage Willie, Atwood 
and Woodward. 

They were so scantily provided with provisions, that they 
would stop and beg of the farmers for something to eat — 
poor, weary, exhausted creatures, who were, nevertheless, 
content to endure these hardships because it was done in the 
name of religion. Occasionally a weary train would go 
■fhrough as late as 1858. 

Beside^ witnessing the hardships of the Mormons, the 
the citizens of Grant, with the rest of Guthrie's good 
people, had many hardships of their own to endure. 

Among the more prominent farmers are, A. Kirkpatrick, 
IM. Rowland and D. F. Arnold. 

A story is told of an old gentleman in this township, 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 9T 

who, several years ago, hired himself to teach school, signed 
and approved his own contracts, and taught when it snited 
his convenience. 

The soil of Grant is rich and warm, and noted for its 
productiveness and the early maturity of its crops. It is 
situated on the great water-shed divide, and is the head of 
numerous creeks and small streams which water its surface-. 
It has no timber and no waste land; it is said to be the 
best farming land in the county. The citizens of Grant do 
their trading and get mail at Adair, six miles from "HiH 
Side," farm. Grant is in the south-west corner of ^the 
county. The town of Adair is located on the south line of 
the township, in Adair county. 

It was laid out in 1873, by Capt. Charles Stuart for th® 
railroad company. It contains 2 drug stores; 3 hotels; 2 
dry goods stores; a steam elevator; a lumber yard; 2 coal 
yards; 2 blacksmith shops; 1 boot and shoe shop; 1 butcher 
shop;l furniture store; 1 hardware store; 3 farm machinery 
sale rooms; 1 livery stable; 1 cooper shop; a large steam 
flouring mill; a fine frame school house, two stories high-, 
which cost $3,500. The flouring mill, elevator and lumber 
yards belong to Capt. Stuart, and are under the supervisr 
ion of Mr. Arnold, his agent. 

Besides other advantages possessed by Grant, she has 
soft water; think of it, you ladies who have to use hard 
water. 

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP 

Was organized in 1868, with a total population of forty- 
seven. It is situated in the north-east corner of the county 
and has been from the first, a Congressional township of 
six miles square, or thirty-six sections of land. Its surface 
is level; in some places low; though it contains but few 
acres of waste land. It has no timber; is watered by 
numerous small streams. 

The largest farmer in the township is Herman Miller; his 
farm contains about 800 acres, 300 of which are now under 



'9S HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

cultivation, and Mr. Miller expects soon to cultivate all of 
it. He has built him a fine residence, perhaps the finest 
in the comity. Mr. Miller is a native of Williams county, 
Ohio, and his wife the daughter of Gen. Stough of the 
same place. 

Hon. W. F. Cardell, our last Representative, has a fine 
farm in this township. Much to the regret of his neigh- 
bors, Mr. Cardell has removed to Perry, Dallas county. 

Among the other j^rominent farmers are Capt. I. R. 
Shipley, Geo. Miller, Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Wisner, J. S. Ellis, 
W, Wright, A. Kirkpatrick, J. Measures, Mr. Marsh, and 
others. 

Captain Shipley is an old settler, and has one of the 
best improved farms in the township. 

Advance is the post office in this township, with Mr. 
•Shorey as post master. 

GUTHRIE. 

Guthrie, situated on Sec. 27, T. 78, 31, five miles west of 
Stuart on the line of the C, R. I. & P. R. R., was laid out in 
I^ovember, 1868, by B. F. Allen, Cook and Johnston, for 
the railroad company. 

G. W. McPherson bought the land for the company of 
M. Hollingsworth, paying therefor $15 00 per acre. 

Pending the "incubation" of a name for the place, it 
was called " The Switch." Being situated wholly in Guth- 
rie county, (the other towns are partly in Adair) it was 
finally called Guthrie Switch ; being neglected by its father 
or founder, the poor child never received a name, so the 
good people of the town dropped the " Switch," and it was 
henceforth known as Guthrie. 

Guthrie, though in the heart of a fine country, and in- 
habited by the best of people, has not grown so rapidly as 
the other towns on the road. The title to the land having 
been in litigation for several months, building was retarded, 
men being afraid to buy. Finally, in May, 1869, a com- 
promise was effected and building at once commenced, which 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 99 

was again interfered with by the failure of B. F. Allen, who 

holds the title to the unsold land- 

< 

Id December, 1868, the first business house was built by 
Dr. Leroy, for a drug store, but he sold it to P. H. Lenon, 
who let it to a party who opened a saloon — another illus- 
tration of a bad beginning making a good ending. The sa- 
loon, was removed in a short time to another place. 

0. B. Dutton built the house occupied by F. Bickford and 
opened a dry goods and grocery store. 

Mr. H. N. Ross opened the first hardware store in the lat- 
ter part of 1868. 

About the same time a shanty was built on the north 
side of the track, and Gregg & Weir opened a dry goods 
and notion store. 

January, 1869, Mr. S. F. Stults built the building on the 
corner of Sherman and Fifth streets, and he, in partnership 
with E. B. Berry, opened a drug store. When Mr. Stults 
was building he was obliged to board a mile from town, 
there being no accommodations of that sort any nearer. 

In February, 1869, George McPherson, built the hotel, but 
sold it to Mrs. Jackson, who let it to a Mr. Gregory, who 
kept the house. 

In the spring of 1869 Mrs. Jackson was married to a Mr. 
Snowden, and she disposed of the hotel to S. Reid, who 
built the addition, and has kept the house ever since. This 
is the only hotel in the place. 

The first dwelling house was built in April, 1869, by G. 
W. McPherson. 

The next dwelling and office was that of Alanson Hill, 
attorney, who came to Panora in 1865, and to Guthrie in 
1869. Mr. Hill went to California in 1875 in search of 
health, but returned to Guthrie in 1876. 

The depot was built in October, 1869. 

The post office was established in 1868, O. B. Dutton, 
post master, who served only a few weeks, when Mr. Stults 
was appointed. Mr. S. served until November, 1870, when 
he resigned in favor of J. W. Harris, the present official. 



100 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

From this office, for quarter ending April 1st, 1875, were 
issued money orders to the amount of $41] 9.77. Fees on 
same, 836.85. Orcfers paid, $2,258.95. 

In May, 1869, J. Whitney started the first shoe store and 
shop. 

Dr. Carmicbael, the first physician, came in May, 1869. 

The first blacksmith shop was built in March, by Mr. 
Snowden, who sold to Mr. Poling. 

The Poling Brothers still continue the business of black- 
smithing. 

In the spring of 1869 a man by the name of Woods came 
from Davenport to Guthrie, and stood "round the corners" 
until he excited the curiosity of the citizens, who finally in- 
quired of him what he was going to do? " Keep a peanut 
stand," was the curt reply. He built a little shanty on the 
corner of Sherman and Fifth streets, where Duncan's drug 
store now stands, and put in agricultural implements. 

[n the fall of 1868 J. Z. Moore opened the first lumber 
3^ard, and was followed in a short time by another, by G. 
W. McPherson. 

The first carpenter in town was Joseph Reynolds. 

In 1873 Silas Berry opened a confectionery and fancy 
grocery store; he also keeps books and stationery. 

Guthrie has two drug stores; that of Duncan &ManwelI, 
who commenced here in 1872. In 1875 they erected a frame 
building 22x70 ft., two stories high. 

In 1876 Stults & Hoge opened a drug store. 

Two dry goods and grocery houses; F. B. Bickford & 
Spaulding, successors to C. S. Henderson, who succeeded 
Henderson & Bickford. This latter firm established the 
business in 1869; and Martin & Kile, successors to R. New- 
ton. This firm occupy the largest store room in town, being 
22x80 ft. 

One Exchange Bank, that of Stults & Bike, who com- 
menced the banking business in 1875. They have just 
erected a nice new building on Fifth street. Both are old 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 101 

settlers in Guthrie county, having come here in 1858 and 
1857. 

A restaurant and grocery house by W. McCoy. Hitch- 
cock Brothers, groceries and dry goods. 

In 1875 J. B. Richardson put up a building, and put in a 
stock of boots and shoes, and groceries. 

In 1869 H. N. Ross established the first hardware store, 
and was succeeded in 1871 by the Harris Brothers, who still 
continue in the business. 

Guthrie has one meat market, kept by Geo. Baker. 

One harness shop, opened December, 1874, by J. L. 
Jones. 

One furniture dealer, J. D. Taylor, established 1875. 

Two dealers in farm machinery, H. N. Ross and C. R. 
Crabb. Mr. Ross has just erected a new store building on 
Fifth street, 24x60 ft. 

J. M. Sanborn has also erected a fine new building, and 
deals in light and heavy carriages. 

J. M. Moore & Co., Real Estate dealers and Bankers, 
commenced business in 1871. 

E. B. Newton, one of Guthrie County's oldest and most 
substantial citizens, is engaged in the Real Estate business 
since 1873. 

Miss Martin and Mrs. Taylor are the milliners for Guthrie, 
and Mrs. McOmber the dress maker. Miss Sadie Wells, 
milliner and dress maker. 

C. A. Ross, the railroad agent and operator. 

Guthrie has three physicians; Drs. Lytle, Trotter and 
Miller, the latter a graduate of Keokuk Medical College. 

One town hall 40x70 ft., over Duncan & Manwell's drug 
store and Harris Brothers hardware. 

Three elevators, the first of which was built in 1869 by 
Groom & Sampson, who were succeeded by Mr. Sampson, 
who sold to Chas. Stuart in April, 1876. Capacity of this 
elevator 3,000 bushels. 

The Grange Elevator was built in 1874, by the Patrons of 



102 mSTOKY OF GUTHKIE COUNTY. 

Husbandly, who sold to F. B. Bickford in March, 1S76. Ca- 
pacity, 12,000 bushels. 

In 1875 Chas. Stuart built an elevator of 30,000 bushels 
capacity, operated by horse power. Doing a business of 
$25,000 or $30,000. 

The lumber business, started by J. Z. Moore in 1868, and 
also that of Geo. McPherson, was closed out by these gen- 
tlemen in 1869, at which time Groom & Sampson opened 
a yard; in 1870 Mr. Sampson bought out the interest of Mr. 
Groom, and continued in the business for four j^ears, when 
he closed out. 

In 1875 Chas. Stuart opened a lumber yard, and is do- 
ing a good business. 

Guthrie, happy place, has but one lawyer, Alanson Hill, 
one of Guthrie county's many good men. 

One beer saloon, which is offset by a flourishing Temper- 
ance Society, w^hich was organized in the winter of 1875. 
This organization has a membership of three hundred and 
forty, including the cold water army — a children's society. 
Much good has been accomplished by this army of temper- 
ance workers, who hold meetings once a fortnight, which, 
besides being successful in their main object, temperance, 
are looked forward to with much pleasure, as an intellectual 
treat, literary exercises of a high order being a part of the 
entertainment. 

The Presbyterian Church was organized in the spring of 
1869, by Kev. H. H. Kellogg, with barely enough members 
to form a Society. 

The church building was erected in the fall of the same 
year. The Methodists, who have no house of their own, 
use this on alternate Sundays with the Presbyterians. 

There is one Sabbath School— Union— which numbers 
over one hundred pupils. The Superintendent of this school 
is Mr. J. C. Hitchcock. 

Guthrie is an independent school district, with a building 
24x38 feet, two stories high . Two teachers are employed 
at present; (May, 1876,) Miss Emily Kellogg, Principal, 
Miss Celia Sampson, assistant. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 103 

CASEY. 

Casey, situated on the C, R. I. & P. Railroad, twelve 
miles west of Stuart, and six miles east of the west line of 
the county, is a thriving town of 525 inhabitants, noted as 
are all our western towns and villages, for the enterprise 
and industry of her citizens. Its surroundings are among 
the most beautiful and picturesque in the county, the hills 
and groves on the south and west, relieving in pleasant 
contrast, the prairies of the north and east. It has been 
my fortune each time to visit Casey in the season when the 
trees and ground were brown and bare, and I could not 
resist the temptation to make these hills the graves of some 
race of mighty giants, who millions and millions of years 
ago, inhabited this lovely spot, and I wondered why these 
beautiful streams should have received such unpoetic names, 
as northwest fork and south fork of Middle river. I won- 
dered, too, if Mother Nature did not breathe one sigh of 
l^ity for those who by this ugly name, certainly detracted 
somewiiat from her beauty, as the sound of the name and 
the sight of the stream do not harmonize; in nature all is 
harmony. 

Sitting by an upper window of the hospitable home of 
one of her jirominent citizens, where I could have a grand 
view of the surrounding scenery, weaving fancies over these 
gigantic tombs, I could not refrain from asking myself the 
question, whether in the heart of the little city there might 
not be graves as stupendous as these; not the graves of 
inanimate bodies, but of buried hopes; of departed schemes 
of ambition, to whose memory no head-stone may be 
reared, but w^iich, away in the quiet recesses of some ach- 
ing hearts, lie mouldering still. 

In the winter of 1868 Messrs. Marshall and Weeks laid 
out the town, the original plat containing ninety acres, 
being a part of Sec. 34, T. 78, R. 32, and part of Sec. 3, 
77, 32. 

In 1870 Messrs. S. B. Moody and John Woods each laid 



104 inSTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY, 

out an addition on the north of the original pLit, the two 
containing about fifty acres. 

Of these founders, Mr. Marshall is engaged in the hard- 
ware trade, which he began with Mr. Hartpence, in 1869. 
He also sells farm machinery and coal. Mr. Weeks is 
farming south of town. Mr. Woods is retired from bus- 
iness, except an occasional real estate transfer. Mr. Moody 
opened the first dry goods store in April, 186S, in which he 
still continues, and is doing a good business. 

Casey was so called out of respect to a Mr. Casey, a 
railroad contractor, and friend of Mr. Tracy, president of 
theC, R. I. &P. Eailroad. 

Marshall and Weeks donated the grounds for depot and 
railroad buildings. The company use a steam pump. at 
this place, to force the water from the river to the tank. 

The first business house was that of Loomis & Son, vari- 
ety store, in the building now occupied by Dr. Wolf as a 
drug store. The building was erected in 1868. G. A. 
Loomis, the son, is in tlie real estate business and is a 
Notary Public. 

About the same time T. L. Pollard, now dead, built the 
place now occupied by J. E. Gharrett, as a farm machinery 
warehouse, and opened the first drug store. 

The depot was built in the fall of 1868. In December of 
the same year, C. E. Dean opened the first boarding house, 
south of the track, in the building now used as a section 
house, but as he had another house in De Soto, Mr. Har- 
roun, Mrs. Dean's father, superintended this one. Mr. H. 
is now living in Cameron, Missouri. In March, 1869, Mr. 
Dean took the boarding cars, which stood here until No- 
vember, when they were moved to Stuart. 

Mr. Dunham kept the first hotel, in a shanty, which he 
built. After Mr. Denning put up the Denning House, Mr. 
Dunham moved the shanty to Avoca, where he and his 
elder daugher, Ella, kept hotel in it, while Mrs. Dunham 
and " Old Phil." kept the Denning House. The house 
changed landlords several times, and in December, 1871, 



I 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 10f> 

Mr. Denning took charge himself and has run it success- 
fully ever since. The house contains twenty rooms with a 
prospective addition of several more. Travelers find this 
a neat and orderly place as well as a pleasant home. 

In 1S6S Carter's boarding house was started, and was 
converted into a hotel in 1869. Mr. Carter died in 1875, 
since which time Mrs. Carter has conducted the business 
quite successfully — another instance of woman's capability 
to do business. 

After the town was laid out a post office was established 
on the south side in Adair county, and Mr. R. H. Marshall 
appointed post master, receiving his commission in Feb- 
ruary, 1869. 

In the fall of 1872 the office was discontinued, and Casey 
received her mail at Guthrie for two or three weeks, though 
the post master, Mr. Harris, very generously acted as letter 
carrier to them. At this time, an office was established on 
the north side and E. M. Day appointed post master. 

The present, punctual and competent post master, W. D. 
Kelsey, was appointed in April, 1875. To give some idea 
of the business of the office, the Money Order business 
amounted to 815,364.00; postage, $902.35 in one year. The 
average number of letters mailed daily is 125. This is tlie 
separating office for twenty-two offices in Guthrie, Adair, 
and Dallas counties. 

January, 1870, E. M. Day established the first newspaper, 
called the Casey Union. The paper changed hands several 
times, and finally Mr. Day bought back a part of the type, 
etc., and started the State Granger, which flourished only a 
short time; this was in 1872. In the same year the Casey 
Clarion was established by Hartpence & Marshall, editors 
and proprietors, who sold in June, 1874, to Thos. Boydston, 
who in turn sold to Ham. Kautzman, the present editor, in 
December, 1875. This is an ordinary country office, with 
good job press and a good advertising patronage. The 
editor, though a young man, may be called an old settler, 
having come to Guthrie county in 1856, Mr. Marshall, one 



106 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

of the founders of the paper, came to Guthrie in 1863, and 
though he may not come in the list of old settlers, he 
is not a new comer, and he has certainlj^- done much for 
the improvement of his town. 

Though T. L. Pollard sold the first drugs in Casey, Mr. 
Henry North established the first exclusive drug store In 
1869. Mr. North, too, is an old settler, having come to 
Guthrie in 1855. He first settled in Bear Grove township 
and has lived in several different places in the county. He 
still continues in the drug business. 

W. W. Hyzer, a native of Poughkeepsie, New York, 
established a drug store, in 1874, and is doing a good bus- 
iness. 

Dr A. R. Wolf, druggist, is also doing a good business. 

Besides the dry goods and grocery store of S. B. Moody, 
there is another, established in 1872, by Burns & McFar- 
land, who are also doing a good business. 

Casey has two furniture stores; that of Wm. Tift, who 
commenced business in 1873, and Irion & Schneitman, 
established in January, 1876. This latter house has a 
gocd selection of furniture and is doing a good business. 

John Ives, at the livery stable and feed store, keeps nice 
carriages and buggies, good horses and careful drivers. 

Buck Brothers established their livery stable in 1873. 
They are also proprietors of the hack line between Casey 
and Guthrie Center, and from Casey to Fontanelle. These 
gentlemen, too, are old settlers, having come to the county 
in 1857. 

There are four houses selling agricultural implements; 
Marshall & Stoffel, south side; Freeman, on the north side; 
J. E. Gharrett, a branch house, whose principal warehouse 
and residence is in Stuart. 

C. A. Berry & Co. established a house of this kind in 
1871. In 1876 they went in as a branch house of Dryden 
& Berry, of Des Moines. This firm also sells sewing 
machines, the Victor being their favorite. 

Casey has two harness makers; Jacob Blattner, estab 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 107 

lished in 18G9, and Albert Kalkofen, in 1873. Four black- 
smith shops; J. F. Phillips, Jno. Simmons, Mr. Shaw and 
Mr. Eckhart. Two shoe shops, carried on by G. H. Har- 
rington and S. R. Sterner. 

Two meat markets; that of Ostrander Brothers and Dan. 
Moody & Cady; the latter lirm are also coal dealers. 

One restaurant and bakery, by J. S. Townsend, since 

1875. 

One milliner, Mrs. Lintlmrst, who has been in business 
since November, 1872. 

J. F. Rogers, sells sewing machines and organs, since 
January, 1876. 

Mr. L. H. Heald, a native of Temple, N. H., in 1874, es- 
tablished the only jewelry store. 

In 1871, John Ivers established himself in the grain com- 
mission business, and in 1873, went into banking, in which 
business he still continues. Mr. Ivers is an old settler, hav- 
ing come Guthrie county in 1857. He has been a member 
of the Board of Supervisors from Centre township, and 
was at one time County Auditor. 

There are two grain dealers; J. W. Woods, and R. T. 
Young & Company. 

Two lumber yards, that of Belden & Richards, succes- 
sors to E. O. Whitmore, who started the first lumber yard 
in 1869, and sold to the present firm in 1876, and Rutt & 
Rutt, successors to Hatch & Wingate. 

In the beginning of this sketch, I say Loomis & Sons 
built the first business house; this is true, yet there was 
another put up a short time previous, by Kilbourne & 
Rutt, who brought it from Fontanelle, framed and ready 
to put together. It was used as a real estate oflSce. 

Casey has two lawyers; C. M. Burnett, who came here in 
1874, from Indiauola, where he was educated at Simpson 
Centenary College; and Chas. Whitney, a native of Og- 
densburg, N. Y., who was educated at Chicago and St. 
Louis. He practiced medicine for a number of years, but 



108 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

finally abandoned that for the more congenial profession 
of law. The Dr. came to Guthrie in 1871. 

We have here four physicians, the pioneer in the frater- 
nity being Dr. Alfred Warren, a native of Marietta, Ohio, 
who was educated at Keokuk and St. Louis. The Dr. came 
to Guthrie in 1864, stopping at Guthrie Centre; has prac- 
ticed his profession for seven years, the latter three of which 
have been in Casey. 

Dr. James Smith, Dr. J. J. Wolf and Dr. J. H. Wheelis, 
are also prominent and popular practicing physicians. 

F. jST. Eaton, station agent for the C, R I. & P. Railroad, 
has been in the employ of the road at Casey since April, 

1869. He has also been operator for the W. IT. Telegraph 
Company. 

Casey has two schools; an ordinary district school on 
the south side, and a graded school on the north side, 
where they employ two teachers, Mrs. Hatch having been 
^he principal of this school for several years. 

She has two churches; the Methodist, which is a building 
of 24x36 ft., with a seating capacity of 50, a membership 
of thirty and a flourishing Sabbath-school. 

The Congregational church was built in 1870, and the 
society, though small, has flourished finely. 

Two halls; Town Hall or Middletons Hall, 22x60 ft., 
built in 1875, and Burn's Hall, where the Masonic and Odd 
Fellows Lodges are held. Masonic Lodge was chartered in 

1870, and has a membership of thirty. Odd Fellows Lodge 
was chartered in 1873, has thirty-five members. 

The cemetery, three-quarters of a mile south-east of town 
is in Adair county. 

Casey has two music teachers, Mrs. Katie Martin and 
Miss Belle Grow, both good teachers. 

She has also two elocutionists, Mr. and Mrs. Hatch, of 
whom we may well be proud. They came to Guthrie in 
1869, Mrs. Hatch having been principal of the Burlington 
public schools for a number of years previous. 

Though ever ready to sympathize with those in trouble, 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 109 

yet there is one poor unfortunate here, whose case, while it 
excites our pit}', is nevertheless ridiculous. A German by 
the name of Kalkofen, left his wife somewhere in Pennsyl- 
vania, to visit friends, while he came west to look for work; 
he brought one little boy with him, while she kept one with 
her. AVhen he was ready to send for her, he found he had 
forgotten where he left her and the poor fellow has never 
been able to find her. He came here three or four years 
ago. 

STUART. 

The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad was built 
through the county, or rather at this point on the line be- 
tween the two counties, Guthrie and Adair, in the latter part 
of 1868. In 1857, after the road had been surveyed, the 
project of laying out a town at this point, was suggested by 
Hon. A. L. McPherson, but the idea was not carried out 
until September, 1868. In the meantime certain parties had 
been promised a station one mile west of the present site of 
Stuart. 

In May, 1868, Capt. Chas. Stuart, who was born in Bar- 
net, Caledonia county, Vermont, but whose home has been, 
for a number of years in Neponset, Illinois; came to Adair 
county and commenced breaking prairie. On the 4th day 
of September, 1868. he bought of D. Tomlinson and others 
the south i of S. W. i Sec. 33, T. 78, R. 30. Sept. 1st, of D. 
G. Barkalow, the S. i and N. W. i of S. W. i Sec. 4-77-30, 
in Adair county. November 6th, of Margaret Bowles, five 
acres of the N. W. of S. W. h 33-78-30, north side. Nov. 
9th, of S. W. Hadley, (excepting ten acres,) S. E. of S. E., 
32-78-30. 

Dec. 24th, 1869, of Foster Griffith, the E. i of N. E. i 5- 
77-30. 

The town was surveyed and laid out in December, 1868, 
and January, 1869, by Mr. Stuart. To induce the company 
to make this a division station, lands and money were do- 
nated as follows : 



110 HTSTOEY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

Capt. Stuart donated 80 acres of land, much time, and 
$1,000 in money. A. L. McPlierson donated the N. E. i of 
N. W. i of Sec. 4, T. 77, R. 30; 13^ acres of which cost him 
$75 per acre, owing to said land belonging to heirs, who 
had not joined in the sale to McPherson, nntil after he had 
donated it to the railroad company. He also gave five 
acres in Sec. 28, T. 78, R. 30, containing a large spring, 
for water privileges, in case they should fail to find a suffi- 
cient quantity to supply their shops when built, on grounds 
already donated. 

He also donated $800, $300 of which, however, was to aid 
in putting in a switch. 

George Gray donated $500, and devoted much time and 
energy to the enterprise, going at one time to a distant part 
of the State, to try to induce certain land owners here to 
contribute money or land, one of whom promised him $100, 
which, however, he failed to pay, so Mr. Gray had that to 
pay. 

Several others donated small amounts, but to the liber- 
ality, energy and enterprise of these gentlemen, are we 
mainly indebted, for the foundation of our live town of 
Stuart. 

In 1870 Kenworthy and Maxwell's addition was laid out 
on the north side, and Royce's addition on the south side. 
In 1876 Hollingsworth's addition was added. 

Mr. Kenworthy also laid out two other additions. 

When Stuart was laid out there were four buildings here, 
all dwellings, situated as folio tvs : The residence of widow 
Hadley, on Highland street, now occupied by David Tom- 
linson, and the abode of Mr. Tomlinson on Front street, 
near the depot, and which is now numbered with the things 
that were. There were also two houses on Division street, 
the one now occupied by Mr. Baxter as a residence, and the 
brown frame north of it. The latter was built and used by 
S. W. Hadley as a residence, and for a short time the post- 
office was kept there. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. Ill' 

The first building erected Avas the little brown frame 
dwelling, on Division street, nearly opposite the Congrega- 
tional Church, which was built by Dr. Horton, who taught 
school north of town and practiced medicine. This was in 
April, 1869. 

The next building was a small, one story frame, 20x40 
feet, on the south side, by A. L. McPherson, and used as- 
a ware-house, grocery store, and post office. This office 
was established in 1858, at J. AV. McPherson's,nearDexteiv 
and called Macksville, but upon the location of Stuart was 
removed here, through the exertions and influence of A. 
L. McPherson, who was postmaster. After the location of 
the office here. Miss Gussie Haine acted as Mr. McPherson's 
deputy. 

After a time Mr. McPherson sold out to Mr. Tomlinson,. 
who moved, building and all, to Nassau street, north side, 
and it is now occupied by C. W. Champion as a saloon. In- 
1870 Mr. Tomlinson was appointed postmaster, and con- 
tinued the office in the same building. 

The next improvement was Chas. Stuart's lumber yard, 
J. B. Blanchard foreman, who thought he was "roughing 
it " just a little when he had to walk nearly a mile to get 
his meals, the nearest boarding place being Mr. Ewers', east 
of town. The above improvements w^ere all made in April,. 
1869. About the first of May, the building immediately 
south of McElroy's saloon, on Division street, was opened 
as a hotel by a Mr. Millis. 

The next hotel was that of Mr. A. L. McPherson, on Nas- 
sau street, called the Stuart House, and kept by Elliott & 
Batcheldor. Wm. B, Hussey bought and kept the house 
for three months, when Mr. McPherson bought it back again. 
It was kept as a hotel and boarding house two or three 
years, and now does duty as a private residence, for Mr. 
McPherson, half a mile east of town. Mr. McPherson also 
built the first livery stable in Stuart, about the same time- 
with the hotel, which was built in May, 1869. 

In October, 1869, Berner & Toedt erected the building; 



112 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

now occupied by Mr. Crocker as a harness shop, and open- 
ed the first hardware store. In December of the same year 
J. E. Gharrett put up the building now owned and occupied 
"by Mrs. Compton, and opened the lirst dry goods house. 

In January, 1870, H. P. Sliields built the little frame 
shanty on Nassau street, west of Bunker Brothers livery 
stable, for that seemingly necessary adjunct of every town 
— a saloon. 

Lindley & Porter built and opened the first drug store, in 
the building now occupied by O. E. Given; this institution 
has gone the way of all perishable things, and one of the 
firm has turned "Quaker Preacher," in the north part of the 
State. 

From Nov. to the last of Dec, 1869, Charlie Dean lived 
-on the side track, in boarding cars; he then went to Casey, 
but returned and opened the Dean House, on the 2d of Feb., 
1870, ground for which was broken on the 1st of Jan. This 
was built by Chas. Stuart, but has since been bought by 
Mr. Dean. In the summer of 1869 Capt. Stuart built the 
main part of the building on Main street, near the depot, 
known as the Stuart House, and generously offered it, free of 
Tent, to any person who would put in a stock of dry goods. 
"The building stood vacant — at least the store-room did — for 
-one year, when. Bates & Adams accepted the offer. In the 
mean time Mr. Stuart had built the wing or addition on the 
north side of this building, and it was opened as a hotel'by 
Mr. Dunham. 

The ensuing summer, 1870, H. P. Shields built the two 
^story frame building on the northeast corner of Maine and 
Nassau streets, and moved his saloon into the lower room, 
■while the upper story was used as a hall. This and the 
old school house was for some time the only place for hold- 
ing meetings, lectures, etc. 

About the same time Mr. Dunham built the hotel, at pres- 
ent known as the Carrol House, and the hotel part of the 
Stuart house was converted into tenements, tailor shop, 
v-etc. A Mr. McClane being our first tailor. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 113 

When Mr. Shields moved into his large building Billy 
Schlarb opened the first barber shop in the small one. 

The same summer the old school house, (which is now 
converted into a tenement house,) was built, and the first, 
school taught by a Mr. Foote, a dissipated young man, 
who, after his term of school expired, lingered around for a 
time, calling himself a lawyer, though I believe that is as 
far as the "calling" ever went. Finding he was not ap- 
preciated by Stuartites, he went to Polk county, where he 
succeeded in getting some little position, which he managed 
to leave in disgrace. 

In the fall of 1870 Dr. LeRoy erected and occupied as a 
drug store the two story frame building opposite the Dean 
House, at present occupied by Pat Ryan as a shoe stoye, 
though the doctor still retains the proprietorship of the 
building. I believe the only other business house put up 
this year was a grocery store by J. Taylor. Occasionally^^ 
when you looked out in the morning, you would see a 
dwelling which had sprung up in the night, mushroon like, 
at least so it seemed, they went up so rapidly. When the 
writer hereof was shown the foundation of the house at 
present occupied by Mr. Hubbard, as her probable future 
abode, she exclaimed, " Oh dear! I don't want to live away 
out here in the corn-field, with no neighbors but prairie- 
chickens.'' Now the cornfield and chickens have receded 
very far bej^ond these limits. 

In the fall of 1870 the McPhersons moved their livery 
barn from Nassau and Tremont to Nassau and Sherman 
streets, the same now owned by the Bunker Brothers. 

In 1871 Mr. Moulton opened the first shoe shop in the 
office of the old Stuart House, where he remained a short 
time; he then moved to the little shop built by Mr. Shields 
for a saloon, and used next by Billy Schlarb as a barber- 
shop. Billy in the meantime, having moved to his own 
house on Main street. 

Mr. Shields, after a prosperous year or two, sold out to 
Mr. Gibbs, the present owner, and went to Texas, where he- 



114 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUXTY. 

remained three or four years, when he returned to Stuart, 
just as every one does, who leaves it. , 

Capt. Stuart's Elevator, of which we will speak hereafter, 
was built in the fall of 1870. We will not attempt to follow 
the rapid construction of building and consequent frequent 
changes^ but will notice the more important ones, and give 
a synopsis of the business houses and firms as they now 
are. 

We will begin with the old railroad shops, which were 
completed and machinery put in, in Dec, 1869, J. G. 
Crockett of Boston, the present very able and efficient fore- 
man, assuming control. They then employed from fifteen 
to twenty hands. The buildings were constructed of wood, 
and Stuart and all the surrounding country were in a quan- 
dary as to their permanent location here, and many per- 
sons sagely shook their heads and refused to " tarry " with 
us, because, said they, " You'll see; these shops will be re- 
moved as soon as the Company get a good ready." The old 
lady Tcnew the cow w^ould eat the grindstone. 

In 1874 the present permanent and substantial brick shops 
were built, and in Jan., Ih75, Mr. Crockett, with his corps 
of workmen moved in. 

The dimensions of the machine shop are 100x150 feet. 
Blacksmith and boiler shop 60x100 feet. 

The round house contains at present sixteen stalls; when 
•completed wdll contain thirty-eight; until then the old build- 
ing, what there is left of it, part of it having been moved to 
Des Moines, will be used. The number of workmen under 
Mr. Crockett's supervision is, seventy machinists and help- 
ers; twenty-six engineers and twenty-seven firemen. In 
1870 the number of engines run out daily, was from three 
to five; it now requires sixteen or seventeen. The amount 
of money paid out monthly to the above named employees, 
is from $12,000 to $15,000. 

■ The present amiable and pleasant clerk in the office of 
the shops is Mr. Chas. Morris, who edited the Locomotive 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 115 

during 1873. Mr. Morris was born in Bureau county, 111., 
came to Iowa in 1868, and to Stuart in 1872. 

The only casualty wortliy of note occurrinoj in the shops 
was that of 1871, wherein Mr. Potter had both legs broken 
by the falling of a drive-wheel, which had been brought in 
for repairs. The rail shop, under the supervision of the 
road master, runs four forges, and employs six or eight 
men; will employ twelve. 

Mr. Crockett was born at Dover, N. H. Has been in the 
employ of the railroad company at this place since 1869. 
Previous to this time he was employed as foreman in the 
shops at Chicago. 

We have a very good depot building, built in July, 1869, 
presided over by Mr. A. Smart, who has been agent here 
for four years, but has been in the employ of the railroad 
company for eleven 3^ears. Mr. Smart was born and edu- 
cated in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he also learned rail- 
roading. Civil Engineering, etc. While we are looking at 
Mr. Smart — he is handsome to look at — here come our 
friends Isaac and Jane, from the east. Isaac owns a farm 
out a few miles, but says if he is suited with Stuart and its 
people he will stop with us, so we will show them over town, 
and introduce our people to them. 

First, we will go to the Dean House, the only one of our 
pioneer hotels remaining unchanged, except for the better. 
Mr. Dean has made a great many improvements since buy- 
ing the house, the last being the erection of a sample room 
on the west of the hotel. Mr. Dean was born in Monkton, 
Vermont, and was for several years a railroad man, but 
finally found his '' forte " in hotel keeping. It is easy to 
see this house has a head; some one to manage and con- 
trol it. You find every body and every thing, each in his 
or its place. He has accommodations for forty guests, be- 
sides his regular boarders, but we will take numbers 9 and 
12, as associations make them dear to us. Now lay aside 
your wraps, take a good wash, and go down to dinner. 



116 HISTORY OF GUTHEIE COUNTY. 

We all enjoyed our dinner hugely, and leaving our "traps" 
in care of Bowlby, Mr. Dean's accommodating clerk, we 
went over to the Carrol House, to see what they were doing 
over there. We found Mr. and Mrs. Wright at home, on 
Main street, nearly opposite the Dean H(»use, and glad to 
see us. Every thing seemed to be in good order, and we 
learned that Mr. Wright can accommodate thirty guests be- 
sides a large number of boarders; also that he is a native 
of Ohio, and has been in the Carrol House since April, 
1875. 

The streets being very muddy, and Jane being very tired, 
begged me to interview the livery men next, and hire a car- 
riage in which to continue our investigations. We first 
went to Bunker Brothers, whom we found in the old 
McPherson barn on Nassau street. They commenced busi- 
ness in 1873, sold out in 1874, and re-commenced again in 
December, 1875. They keep fourteen horses and plenty of 
nice vehicles to accommodate all who may call, but being 
better acquainted with Pat., we went to Egan & Lahman's, 
on Main street, and hired one of their nice new carriages. 
They keep twenty horses, and the best " rigs" between Des 
Moines and Council Bluffs. Lahman is a native of Penn., 
and Pat of Ireland. The latter came to Guthrie in 1872, 
and commenced business as stable boy for P. Roberts, at 
Panora. By honesty, industry, and good behavior he is 
now the joint proprietor of one of the best livery stables in 
the country. 

After driving through town and its suburbs, my friends 
were so well pleased with the location, the surround- 
ings, the business air and enterprise of our citizens, that 
they begged me to drive them to our real estate dealers, 
that they might purchase a home. I advised them to buy 
a lot and build to suit themselves, and of course they took 
my advice; so we went to the office of Tait & Failor, 
the new firm from Newton, who were polite, gentleman- 
ly and sensible (and flattering ourselves that we were 
entitled, in a small degree, to the latter adjective), we 



HISTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 117 

at once purchased a handsome residence lot, and as Isaac 
is no monopolist, he had the deed made out in his wife's 
name. Carrying out his anti-monopoly principles, Isaac 
bought for himself a lot of A. C. Baxter, whose office is with 
Mr. Haden, one door east of the post office. Mr. Baxter 
is also a Justice of the Peace. 

My friend said, if he could get what he thought he ought 
to have for his farm, he would sell it. I've told you he was 
against monopoly; now this has nothing to do with pol- 
itics; it is business, and of course he didn't want any- 
body to monopolize his farm, unless, well, unless it paid 
him to have it so. However, he left description, etc., with 
Bunker Brothers, whose office is down by their livery barn. 
They are successors, in the real estate business, to C. S. 
Fogg, who sold to them in March, 1875. 

Envy forms no part of my composition, but I did feel a 
little "bad" to see my friends getting all the good bargains, 
so we went and bought a lot for myself, of Wm. B. Hussey, 
who came to Stuart in October, 1869, and occupies an office 
over Exchange Bank. 

We found Mr. Roberts another real estate dealer, in Dr. 
Crandall's office, and of him we rented a house to live in 
while ours were building. 

By this time our purses were exhausted, and we went to 
Exchange Bank to have them replenished. We found 
Messrs. W. B. Conger and A. H. Savage ready to wait 
upon US, and through politeness of Mr. Savage, was shown 
over the building, which we found to be a substantial brick, 
two stories high, the upper story of which is fitted up for 
offices. The lower story is finished in neat style, with all 
the conveniences for doing an extensive business; a fire and 
burglar proof vault and safe, decidedly the best in the 
county. The vault is built with walls two feet thick, arched 
ceiling, floor of solid masonry and heavy iron doors. The 
safe is a Diebold & Keinzle. As there are five doors, three 
combination and two key locks, between day light and the 
money in the safe, we advise burglars to let it alone. 
8 



lis HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

This bank was established in December, 1871, by J. T. 
Hubbard, who sold out to Mr. Savage, in 1874. In 1875 
Mr. Conger was admitted as a partner. Exercising our 
mother Eve's curiosity, we discovered that Mr. Savage is 
a native of Jasper, New York, and Mr. Conger, of Gales- 
burg, Illinois. 

Having filled our purses, we went' next to the lumber 
yards and bought material for our houses. We first went 
to the oiRce of Gray & Blanchard, successors to Chas. 
Stuart, who established the business in 1869, and sold out 
to the present firm in May, 1875. The average amount of 
lu/nber sold, by this house, is 30,000 feet per month, at 
about $7,500, or nearly $100,000 per year. The ofRce occu- 
pied and owned by Messrs. Gray & Blanchard, was built 
hy Capt. Stuart, in 1871. These gentlemen both came here 
from Illinois, — Mr. Blanchard in 1869, and Mr. Gray, for 
permanent residence, in 1874, though he had done business 
here previous to that time. 

As it was our plan to patronize every business house, ex- 
cept the saloons, we went to the lumber yard on the north 
side of the track, which we found presided over by Wm. 
Gray, of the firm of Gray & Stephenson, in their office on 
Front street, between Tremont and Division. This firm 
came here from Davenport, in 1874, and sold, last year, 
three and a half millions feet of lumber. 

Being live yankees, and wishing to drive business, we 
hired all the drays and transfer wagons, and sent our lum- 
her and building material to the desired places. First, we 
loaded Mr. Mills' big transfer wagon with the heavy timbers ; 
then came Elliot, Lawton, Tomlinson, Ed, Douglas, our 
one colored man, and finally we loaded Billy Warren's 
lightning express with the finer articles, as we knew he 
would be careful and prompt. We knew this from obser- 
vation, and from the fact that he was a few years ago, the 
successful proprietor of the stage line from here to Green- 
field, and afterward of a livery stable. 

We sent Isaac up to see the lumber properly delivered. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 119 

and while we awaited his return, we engaged our builders. 
We (Jane and I) each wanted to let her contract to Dixon 
& Corry, whom we found busy as bees, drafting plans for 
houses, etc., in their office on the north side of Nassau street, 
between Division and Tremont. They employ live or six 
hands during the winter, but when the building season 
opens they will employ from twenty to thirty. Mr. Dixon 
came to Stuart in 1870, and had been engaged in the furni- 
ture business until last January, when he sold out to his 
partner, Mr. Eustace. Mr. Corry has been here since 1874. 
Mr. Corry learned architecture in Belfast, Ireland. They 
told ns they could build two or three housfs and have them 
finished about as soon as one alone, but as our plan was to 
patronize all the business houses, they directed us to the 
Centennial Carpenter Shop on Nassau, between Division 
and Gaines streets. Mr. Caldwell, of the firm of Wright & 
Caldwell, came to Guthrie in 1869; to Stuart in 1874. Mr. 
Wright in 1875. They employ seven or eight hands. 

Morrison Brothers, on Front street, near Main, came to 
Stuart in 1870. Employ eight or ten hands. 

Being so fortunate as to find men enough to undertake 
our several buildings at once, we concluded to go home — to 
Dean's — and rest till morning. After breakfast next morn- 
ing, we went down to the " house " (you know Mr. Dean 
has built them a nice little residence south of the hotel) to 
read the Register with Mrs. Dean and canvass the situation 
at Washington. While we were in the midst of an enjoy- 
able gossip, our friend Isaac came bustling in, '" Well," 
said he, "just like women's way of doing business — to set 
a lot of carpenters to work without nails, &c. ; they are all 
OH the ground ready to lay the foundations." " Very well, 
Sir Isaac; order up the carriage and we'll go and see if we 
can redeem ourselves." We drove to the pioneer hardware 
and stove store of Berner & Toedt, in their new brick build- 
ing on Nassau street, and found every thing we wanted, 
nails, locks, door-knobs, &c. In 1869 Mr. Berner and Mr. 
Fred. Toedt opened the first hardware store in Stuart, in the 



120 IIISTORY'oF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

building at present occupied by Mr. Crocker as a harness 
shop. In 1873 they built the brick they now occupy, which 
is 24x70 feet; two stories high. In 1875 Mr. Fred. Toedt 
sold out to his brother Henry, so the firm name remains the 
same. Fred, went to Yinton where he is engaged in the 
same business as here. 

H. B. Seydell, hardware and stove dealer, we found next 
door to Ryan's dry goods house, in the frame building which 
was moved over from Morrisburg in 1873, having done 
duty there as a dry goods store, under the proprietorship of 
a Mr. Wright, an old settler of that place. Mr. Seydell 
came here from Iowa City in 1874. We found a nice stock 
of goods, and a proprietor who remembers the little cour- 
tesies which help one on their weary way. As we were out 
we concluded it would be as well to get ready for house- 
keeping, so we went first in search of carpets — we always 
put down our carpets first thing — and found a good assort- 
ment at J. P. McQui.stion's. We found, too, a nice stock of 
goods and notions, everything neat and orderly; an accom- 
modating clerk, who happens to be the proprietor, and who 
has evidently been in the business a long time, though he 
has been here only since December, 1875. His store is in 
the new brick block on the north side of Nassau street, two 
doors west of Division, is 22x55 feet, and well filled. Mr. 
M. is a native of Pennsj^lvania. 

For our prints and cotton — for quilts and comforts — we 
went to M. Ryan's. Geo. McCann & Co. — Mr. Ryan being 
the compan}^ — opened this house in 1871. In 1872 uncle 
George retired, and the business has since been conducted 
by Mr. Ryan alone, who is doing a business of from 
$25,000 to $30,000 yearly, including the grocery department. 
Mike came to America from '• ould Ireland " in 1867. 

Being still in need of curtains, mats, and various toilet 
articles, we went to Bates & Adams', where we found, in 
addition to dry goods and groceries, a nice line of fancy 
goods. This house was established in 1871, in the old Stu- 
art house, where it remained two years, when it was removed 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 121 

to the building now occupied by Mr. Seydell. In 1874 they 
built the substantial brick which they now occupy. The 
building is 44x70 feet, and divided into two apartments, 
in one of Avhich is kept the groceries and queensware. in 
the other the dry goods and notions; a nice arrangement. 

They are now erecting a second story 44x70 feet, and IG 
feet high, to be used for a public hall. 

On the opposite side of the street, two doors east of the 
post-office, we found the new house — dry goods and grocer- 
ies — of Mr. Wineman, who came here in October, 1875, from 
Scott county, this State. The building this gentleman occu- 
pies is the one built by Mr. Yeile after the fire of 1872, and 
used as a grocery store. Mr. Yeile is still a resident of 
Stuart, though he is out of business. 

Further down the street on the same side, we found Mrs. 
Compton, in the building erected by Mr. Gharrett, in 1S69. 
This house was opened in 1872; has been closed for several 
months, but was opened a short time ago by Mrs. Compton, 
who will demonstrate woman's ability to do business of 
this kind. The stock consists of dry goods, groceries and 
queensware. 

" Oh dear,'' says Jennie, " I am so tired climbing in and 
out of this buggy ; do send it home and let us walk." And 
we tramped the rest of the day, stopping for dinner of 
course. 

" Jennie, let's go and buy our groceries next." " Why, 
silly, where are you going to put them.^ The houses are 
not yet done." " It is not necessary to have them delivered 
until we need them, but we can leave our orders." 

As we had bought dry goods of all the dry goods and 
grocery houses, we went to those who sold groceries exclu- 
sively. Mr. J. E. Bell, on the corner of Main and Nassau 
streets, in the Dunham building, has a good stock of nice 
groceries, which he sells at fair prices. Mr. Bell came here 
from Nebraska in December, 1875; and in May, 1876, asso* 
ciated with himself a Mr. Downs. So the firm name here-^ 
after will be Bell & Downs. 



122 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

Now, I never conld endure tobacco in any form, but dear 
little Jane thought Isaac ought to have some of those nice 
looking cigars, we saw in Mr. Scotfs window, so to indulge 
the indulgent little woman, we went in. Mr. Scott came from 
Newton in March, 1876, and occupied the old meat market 
built by Mr. Trent in 1870; the original building has been 
enlarged, painted and papered, and made to look like new. 

The next place — grocery — visited was that of J. E. Dutton 
successor to J. Tajdor, whom he bought out in February, 
1876. Mr. Dutton has been in the same business in Dexter, 
and bids fair to make this house as popular as it was under 
the old management. 

Wall & Glassock commenced business on the corner of 
Nassau and Division streets, in December. 1875. Mr. D. 
B. Wall went into partnership with Mr. Veile in March, 
1874, and sold to Wineman, October, 1875. Judging by 
the crowd of customers, he is doing well. 

There is also a grocery house on the south side, kept by 
a Mr. Smull, but being tired out we did not go over, but 
rested until the next day. Bright and early we started on 
our •' gadding tour " over town. We were just in the act 
of engaging Billy Warren to move us to our temporary 
habitation, (we had some goods stored away in a barn, or 
warehouse, or no matter where, they were only " old things'' 
anyway, and we were not going to spoil our new one,) when 
W3 were met by Mr. Dixon, who informed us it would not 
be worth while to move twicn, as we could have our new 
houses in about two weeks from the time they were com- 
menced. "Why, dear me," cried Jane; "if you haven't 
the smartest folks in Stuart I ever saw. Just tliinlc of it; 
a house ready to move into, in two weeks from its com- 
mencement ! I'm so glad Isaac is going to stay here." Our 
spirit of enterprise started my friends off with such an im- 
petus, it fairly took my breath to keep up with them. I 
finally remonstrated in these gentle words: "Now, look 
here, good people, if you are going on at this rate, you can 
go on without me; I'm not going to kill myself in one day."' 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 123 

Fearing I meant what I said, my friends slackened tlieir 
speed — and we sauntered into A. A. Savage's bakery and 
restaurant, and had a cup of hot coffee to " rest " us. 
Albert was very polite and attentive, gave us the best of 
bread, nice pies and cakes — I mean for Isaac — you know, 
we ladies didn't want any thing but the coftee. 

Jane wanted a pair of new shoes, so we went into Moul- 
ton & Little's, where we found just what we wanted. Mr. 
Moulton came to Stuart in 1871, and commenced in the 
office of the old Stuart House as a shoemaker; he moved 
two or three times, but by industry, economy, upright and 
fair dealing, his business increased to such an extent that 
in 1873, he took Mr. Little as a partner. 

And they built the house they now occupy, and put in a 
good stock of boots, shoes, and every thing kept in a first 
class shoe store. Mr. Moulton is our pioneer shoeman, and 
one of the good substantial citizens who give tone and per- 
manence to our community. Both members of this firm 
are natives of Massachusetts. Little Johnny says he ate 
his first chowder on Plymouth Rock, and was near enough 
the hub to be one of the fellows . 

The clothing and shoe store of D. Felgar was the scene of 
our next raid. Mr. Felgar commenced here in 1871 as a 
clothier, shoe dealer and manufacturer; in 1875 he sold the 
manufacturing part of the shoe business to Mr. J. M. Ross, 
who continued the same in the back part of the same build- 
ing. In 1872 Mr. Felgar was burned out, as were all the 
houses in this block — south side of Xassau street, between 
Tremont and Division — including P. H. Lennon, Veile, 
Hussey, Dixon & Eustace, John Leonard and J. T. Mont- 
gomery, several of whom were at the time residing as well 
as doing business in the block. Louis Zeiger, too, lost a 
building by the fire. 

'N. B. Kahn, two doors west of the post-office, came here 
from Chicago in October, 1875, and has the only exclusive 
]y furnishing house in the city. 

Isaac, though well pleased with Stuart, and not knowing 



124 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

that we are not incorporated, tliought to have a little fun at 

the city's expense. Said he, '" Mrs. M , why don't you 

fall through one of these man traps in your sidewalk and 
break your neck — no, I mean your arm? You might col- 
lect damages enough to make you rich." Thinking he had 
said something witty, he threw back his head for a good 
laugh, when down he came, plump on the sidew^alk, running 
his elbow through a broken plank and tearing the sleeve of 
his new coat. You all know just how he looked when he 
got up. To illustrate, let us " digress " from our expedition 
long enough to tell the story of a fall of one of our promi- 
nent lawyers. 

The street being as slippery as ice and sleet could make 
it, he slipped and fell. On getting up he gave the prescribed 
and customary glance to see if any one was looking. A 
man on the opposite side of the street, haw-hawed at the 
top of his voice, when our Blackstone indignantly called 
out: " Fool, what are you laughing at ^ 1 see nothing- 
funny." 

But to go back to poor Ike; we took him into Mr. Todd's 
tailor shop to have his coat mended, and while there learned 
that Mr. Todd came here in 1873, that he keeps a good 
assortment of the best cloths and vestings, which he manu- 
factures to order. We left Isaac to have his coat mended 
and his boots blacked by our city boot-black, who waited 
outside, while we went to the place, said to be dearest to the 
female heart, (I know it is dear to her purse,) the jeweller's. 
We went first to see W. P. Huntoon, late of Victor, who 
came here in February, 1876. We found a good assort- 
ment of clocks and watches, and a fair showing of silver- 
ware; we 23urchased a nice berry dish and spoon, and took 
them up to E. V. Boynton, watchmaker and engraver, to 
have them engraved; not that Mr. Huntoon could not en- 
grave them, but you know we are dividing our trade. We 
found the former house four doors west of Main street, on 
Nassau, and the latter, one door east of the post-office, 
Mr. Boynton came here from California in June, 1875. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 125 

W. K. Lindsay, jeweller and watchmaker, successor to 
Lindsay & Campbell, next door west of Mrs. Compton, is 
our pioneer jeweler. He came here from Davenport in 1871. 
A peculiar and eccentric man by the name of Cornish was 
our very first jeweller, who kept a little shop where Dr. 
Beach's office now is; he remained but a short time, leav- 
ing about the time Mr. Lindsay came. The building occu- 
pied by him was erected by Jos. Barker, in 1870, for a 
grocery store. 

Having done our errands to the jeweller's, we went back 
up street in time to see Ike come sheepishly out from the 
tailor's. Jane laughed so heartil}^ at the thought of the 
"joke," that her false teeth took a new departure and fell 
into another of our side walk traps, striking a stone be- 
neath and — alas, and a lack went to pieces. It was now 
her turn to look 'round, to see if any one was looking. 
Seeing a lot of street urchins looking delightedly on, the 
poor little woman began to cry, but I hurried np stairs to 
Dr. Miller's ofl5ce, where she soon had an impression taken 
with the promise that she should have her teeth in the even- 
ing. Dr. Miller came from South Bend, in October, 1874, 
and everybody wonders how they got along without a 
dentist. His office is over D. Felgar's clothing store, corner 
of Tremont and Nassau street. 

Well, here we are at the new bakery and restaurant of 
J. Gr. Goodman; we'll go in and take dinner. (Jane dined 
on oyster soup for obvious reasons.) Mr. Goodman began 
in March, 1876. 

Next to W. A. Eustace's, on Nassau street, three doors 
west of the post-office, to select our furniture. Mr. E. came 
here in the fall of ] 869. In 1872 went into partnership with 
Mr. Dixon, who withdrew from the firm in January, 1876. 
This is the only furniture house in town, but as he keeps 
every thing we need, there is no necessity of our suffering 
for want of furniture. 

Then up street, three doors west of Division, to S. C. 
Walters', where we bought one of those nice Western Cot- 



126 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

tage organs — though he sells other kinds, as well as sewing 
machines, sheet music, &c. This house was established in 
-October, 1873. Mr. Walters came from Des Moines. 

On the southeast corner of Tremont and Nassau streets, 
we found Messrs. Hartsell &: Dowdle, successors to Mont- 
gomery & Weaver, \vhose pej; organs are the Burdette and 
-Silver Tongue; and their favorite sewing machine, the 
Wilson. They have been in business since January, 1876. 

Thursday morning our friends wanted to send word home, 
so we went to the Atlantic & Pacific telegrajDh office in Dr. 
Dosh's drug store, and asked Bert Hurlbut, operator, to 
say ** all is well.-' Then we went to the Western Union, 
Pat. Levy, operator, and telegraphed home for more money, 
that we might continue our investigations of the business 
houses of Stuart — you know it takes money to get all 
'round. 

Next to A. Swartz's photograph rooms, west of the Dean 
House, and sat for a " negative." We also tried his sweet- 
toned Estey Organs, which he keeps to sell. He began in 
1872, and is evidently doing a good business. 

A friend had sent me an Indian pony from the west, and 
Rodecker & Pearson were to build me a handsome phaeton, 
so we went to see if it was finished. We started for the 
old Stuart House, but remembered that it had burned to 
the ground on the night of the 24th of February, 1876, just 
after the close of a masonic ball. Messrs. R. & P., after 
the fire, moved their stock into Gibbs' place, corner of Main 
and Nassau streets, and were as busy as if nothing had 
happened. Mr. Rodecker has met with losses of a similar 
character before, and Mr. Pearson with disasters of various 
kinds; among which, is the occasional washing away of 
his mill-dam on Raccoon river, three and a half miles north- 
east of town. Nothing daunted, they are going at once to 
rebuild on the old site. Mr. Rodecker established the bus- 
iness here in 1873, and admitted Mr. Pearson as a partner 
in 1875. 

We called at W. C. Crocker's harness and saddlery store. 



IIISTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 127 

opposite the Dean House, in Berner & Toedt's first build- 
ing. He came here from Atlantic in January, 1875; em- 
ploys three hands, and is doing a brisk business. 

At John Leonard's, west of the post office, we bought a 
nice harness for our pony, and as ''it will be summer time 
bye and by,*' we also bought fly nets, etc. In 1871 Mr.. 
Leonard bought out John Brown, our first harness maker; 
was burned out in 1872, but has rallied from that disaster, 
and is doing a good business. 

In the evening, Thursday, we went to the new Episcopal 
Chapel and reading room, to enjoy a social evening witlt 
the Helping Hand Society. We were pleasantly entertained 
and noticed that the building was go'thic in design, 18x4d 
feet. This society deserves special mention and credit, as 
it has, in the face of many discouragements, built this 
house in less than a year's time. To the perseverance of 
the ladies is this enterprise mainly due. Though it is con- 
trolled by the Episcopal Society, yet it is free to all who 
may avail themselves of the privileges offered by a free li- 
brary and reading room. 

We were weary enough to enjoy our nice clean beds at 
Dean's, and after breakfast Friday morning started again 
on our tramp. Mr. D. calls it gadding. Jane and I went 
in search of a laundry, and Isaac went to the barber's. In- 
stead of one, we found three, while Ike found Billy Schlarb^ 
our pioneer barber, who has been here since 1871. He evi- 
dently believes the old saying about the rolling stone. Ou? 
friend found everything neat and orderly, and Billy and 
two or three assistants quite busy. 

Isaac brought his dog and gun with him — he never goes 
without them — and as the latter was a little rusty, he took 
it to Geo. Morse, on the South Side, and had it cleaned ancJ 
"fixed up,*' and as the former was hungry (he didn't get 
rounft in time for breakfast at the Dean House,) we went to 
Geo. Gray's meat market " to get the poor doggy a bone.'*" 
Mr. Gray put up the building and opened the market la 
January, 1874. They furnish to Stuart and vicinity seven; 



128 HISTORY OF GUTHKIE COUNTY. 

or eight beeves per week, besides sheep and hogs. They 
may be found on the south side of Nassau street, between 
Main and Tremont. 

We were told there were two other meat markets; one 
east of Main street, kept by Chas. Griffiths, the other, south 
of the track, by Mr, Simcoke. Speaking of meat markets, 
reminds us; the first one kept in Stuart was by C. E. Dean. 

Keally ; here comes Mr. Dixon again, and says he is read}^ 
for the plasterers and painters, so we went in search of J. 
T. Montgomery, whom w^e found in the office with Corry & 
Dixon, two doors east of Exchange Bank. Mr. M., with a 
squad of assistants, started for the scene of action, but gave 
us a gentle hint that it was too cold to plaster without fire, 
and we ordered up three or four stoves, from Berner's and 
Seydell's, and went to Gould & Holmes' and asked them to 
sendiup some of their nice clean coal. Their office is on 
-Front street, two doors east of the Iowa House. This firm 
began business as ice dealers in 1874. In 1875 they added 
the coal business; in March, 1876, they added agricultural 
implements, lime, etc. They are both railroad engineers, 
Ibut if they both happen to be absent at the same time, 
Oharlie Darling, their clerk, will attend to all customers. 
Tommy Holmes, of this firm, run the first engine to Stuart, 
l>eing the engine of a construction train. We had no special 
business at the elevators, but as we were doing the whole 
town we could not slight them. We went first to that of 
Crray & Blanchard, successors to Chas. Stuart, of whom 
tliey purchased in May, 1875, The amount of grain han- 
dled is from four to five million bushels per year. The ele- 
vator is operated by steam, runs a feed mill, corn sheller, 
and fanning mills, and has every appliance necessary in a 
business of this kind. It is said to have no " superior " in 
the State. 

Immediately west of this is the elevator of the Joint 
Stock Comj)any, J. R. Bates, President; Wm, Gray, Secre- 
tary; A. H. Savage, Treasurer, It was built in 1875, has a 
"Capacity of twenty thousand bushels; a twenty-five horse 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 129 

power engine; steam separator, and wheat cleaner, corn 
shellers, etc. Cost of the building $9,000. 

Being so near, we went up to the steam flouring mill, to 
see what was going on there. . In 1872 Capt. Stuart offered 
Wm. Leach $1,200 to move his (Leach's) mill from Nepon- 
set, 111., to Stuart. He accepted the offer, tore down the 
mill, brought it here and rebuilt it; and when it had been 
running only two weeks, was burned to the ground — un- 
doubtedly the w^ork of an incendiary. The building was 
three stories high, contained two run of burrs, and a forty 
horse power steam engine. In a few hours after the fire- 
the generous citizens of Stuart, with Capt. Stuart at their 
head, had subscribed $4,000 toward the re-building of the 
mill, which was done at once. The present mill is about 
the same as the first one, and is at present owned by Messrs. 
Cooke & Drake. 

On our return down town we stopped in at Stoke's feed 
store, and engaged feed for pony. Next to this place we 
saw a sign that read "Pumps and Lightning Rods," and as 
we knew we should want -both, we stopped — much to Isaac^s 
chagrin, as he was getting ^t^ery hungry — and made a pur- 
chase of J. Montgomery. The last two named places are od 
Division street near Front. 

Our bonnets were pretty dusty after our "climb" through 
the elelevators and mill, and after dinner we took them to 
Miss Hills', on Nassau, and had her " brush them up.'' 
She has plenty of nice new ones, but for economic reasons 
we are wearing our old ones. Miss Hills began here in 1874 ; 
is a native of Dallas county, and was for a number of years 
a school teacher. She owns the building she occupies, and 
is one of the sensible women who 'practically demonstrate 
their ability to take care of themselves. We would add^ 
Miss Hills keeps a full assortment of notions and fancy 
goods as well as millinery ; she also does dress making. 

Up on Tremont street we found Mrs. Chamberlain, who 
keeps a choice lot of hats and bonnets, trimmings, etc., and. 
does dress making. She came here in J 875. 



130 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

Two doors west of the post office is the tirm of Rowell <fc 
Hooker, Milliners, who commenced here in November, 1875, 
though Mrs. Row^ell has been a resident of Stuart since 1872. 
In 1873 her husband was apppinted postmaster, and filled 
the office for about eighteen months, when he died. Mrs. 
R. succeeded him, and retained the office seven or eight 
months. " 

Isaac said if he didn't sell his farm he should want some 
new farm machinery, so I took him up to J. E. Gharrett's 
warehouse, on West Nassau street, and as he commenced 
"jerking " the machines around and making comments cal- 
culated to aw^e " green ones,'' hunting items, J. E., in his 
quiet way remarked, " I have the Marsh Harvester." "Is 
that so?" asked my friend; "that's just what I want; in 
fact I wouldn't have any other.'' In 1869 Mr. Gharrett 
opened the first dry goods house in Stuart, in which he 
continued until the fall of 1872, when he went to selling 
agricultural implements. Besides the Marsh Harvester he 
keeps other reapers, as well as a general stock of farm ma- 
chinery. He has a branch house at Casey. Is a native of 
Indiana. 

Of the other warehouses of the above kind, we found 
that of Gould & Holmes — as before mentioned — in their 
coal office on Front street, and Bunker Brothers in their 
real estate office, near their livery stable. The above firms 
are all doing a good business, which may be taken as an 
indication of the improvements going on in the country. I 
presume the gentlemen thought the plows were very clean ; 
may be they were, but some how our gloves were stained 
and our hands soiled, so we we went to Dr. LeRoy's drug 
:sk>re for some of his nice toilet soap for our hands, and 
^rasive soap for our gloves. Besides a good stock of first 
■class goods, kept in a handsome and well finished store- 
room, we found a quite extensive Circulating Library. To 
Dr. LeRoy, Stuart is indebted for " reading " not otherwise 
attainable. 

Next, to Dosh & Herriot's Drug Store and engaged pa- 



HISTORY OF GUTimiE COUNTY. 131 

per hangings, etc., for our new houses. They are inagood 
brick building, 20x70 feet, two stories high, and well fin- 
ished. Have a good stock of the various articles usually- 
kept in a first class drug store. In 1873 Dr. Dosh com- 
menced this business in the first building erected by Dr. 
LeRoy, and removed to the present place in 1875, Mr. Her- 
riot being admitted a partner previous to their removal 

In August, 1875, there was erected on the corner of Tre- 
mont and Division streets, a substantial and handsome 
brick building 25x55 feet, two stories high. In March, 1876, 
Dr. Treat, a native of Orion, Michigan, but who has prac- 
ticed medicine for the last eight years in Marquette, Michi- 
gan, and previous to that time in Chicago, opened in the 
above building (which he ow^ns) a new drug store, and in 
our rambles about town, w^e called upon him. On either 
counter there are beautiful oval-front show-cases, and the 
shelving is finished in black w^alnut, veneered with burl 
butternut, the same being neat and very handsome. The 
Doctor's stock, which is entirely new, is full and complete. 

Then to Given & Phillips', on Nassau street, in the build- 
ing formerly occupied by E. Lindley. Mr. Given came here 
in 1871, from Vinton, Iowa, formerly from Pittsburg, Pa., 
and has been engaged as salesman in the several drug 
stores ever since, until he went into business for himself, in 
April, 1875. Though their building is not so new or nice 
as the others, they are doing a good business. Mr. Phil- 
lips, familiarly known as "old Phil," is at present in 
Wales, his native place. In Ollie's case we shall have to 
reverse the saying, " last but not least," in matter of stature 
we mean. 

Learning that the Working Band, the Congregational 
Society, met that afternoon at the pleasant home of Mrs. 
Lunt, we looked in upon them, and they certainly looked 
very happy and seemed to be enjoying themselves; they 
have prepared a great many fancy and useful articles for 
the fair they expect soon to hold, the proceeds of which 
are to furnish their church. Mrs. A. E. Todd, wife of the 



132 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

minister, is president of this society, and Mrs. Dr. Miller, 
secretary. The Hie of the society is Mrs. Gharrett. 

Now we'll go the post office, and then home. We found 
the business of the office for the last quarter was as fol- 
lows: No. of money orders issued, 377; amount of money 
received $4,907.79; amount of fees, 42.90; No. of money 
orders paid, 184; amount required to pay them, $2,350.75; 
No. of letters mailed, 17,750; No. received, 16,550; greatest 
No. mailed in one day, 330; average number per day, 225. 
H. C- Trout, post master since 1874. 

The first thing we did Saturday morning, was to go to 
Masonic Hall, over J. P. McQuistious store. It was locked 
up so we could not get in, but one of the good brothers in- 
formed us that the hall was 19x50 ft. The Lodge was 
chartered in 1870. It now has a membership of forty. The 
Odd Fellows meet in the same hall. This latter Lodge 
was chartered in 1871, and has a membership of one hun- 
dred. 

The Congregational Church on Division street was built 
in 1871, Captain Stuart donating the lot whereon to build. 
It will seat two hundred persons; has an organ and a good 
choir, Mrs. Todd, organist; Mrs. Adams, soprano. By the 
efforts of the Working Band, a part of the Church has 
been carpeted. This society has a membership of forty; a 
flourishing Sabbath school of ninety pupils, Mr. Reed 
superintendent. Rev. A. E. Todd, the minister, is a native 
of Massachusetts, and was educated at Yale College. 

Speaking of Sabbath schools, we are reminded of the 
first one held in Stuart. The first building erected 
after the town was laid out, was used as a grocery 
store and post office, as spoken of in the beginning of this 
chapter. A Sabbath school, under the direction of William 
Crow, and numbering as many pupils and teachers as 
could crowd in, was held in this building. Captain Stuart 
happened in one morning as they were trying to get $10 
subscribed for a library. The Captain told them if they 
would buy a S30 library, he would give them $15. He also 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 133 

promised them a better place wherein to hold their school, 
in three weeks, and in three weeks from that day the scliool 
was held in the Stuart House. 

Captain Stuart also donated the lot upon which the Meth- 
odist Church is built. This is a nice little frame 40x60 ft., 
nicely finished and capable of seating three hundred per- 
sons. Here, too, is an organ and a choir, led by S. C. 
Walters. Mr. Martin, the minister, is a native of Indiana 
and was educated at Asbury University. This society, too, 
has a Sabbath school, numbering one hundred and fifty 
pupils, Mrs. Dr. Beach, superintendent. These items con- 
cerning the churches, we learned from members, as we could 
not attend services until the next day, there being none 
held on Saturday. 

The lot for the Catholic Church was sold by Captain 
Stuart, at half price, and in the fall of 1875, the Church, 
which is not yet finished, was built at a cost of $3,000. 
Service is held by Rev. Father Gaul, of Atlantic, but the 
society expects soon to have a resident priest. 

Services are conducted in the Episcipal Chapel, by Rev. 
J. S. Read, of Des Moines. 

There is also a Christian Church on the south side, which 
was built in the early part of 1875. This society numbers 
about twenty members, and employs the Rev. Mr. Kennel, 
of De Soto, to conduct religious services occasionally. 

Having learned these particulars, and rested ourselves 
with a good dinner, we went, upon invitation, to the hos- 
pitable home of Mrs. Dr. Dosh, to meet the Ladies Mite 
Society of the Methodist Church, and found a happy and 
united little band, with Mrs. Dr. Beach, as president, [and 
Mrs. Dr. Dosh, as secretary. The pecuniary object of the 
society, is the furnishing of the church, but the primary 
object, is the promotion of good will, the better acquain- 
tance, and sociability of its members. 

If we are ever inclined to be homesick, it is Saturday eve- 
ning, when the week's duties are done, and we have a 
moment to give to the indulgence of reveries, wherein child- 
9 



134 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

lioocVs home, absent loved ones, and far away scenes take 
the place of reality. Thus indulging, we were leisurely 
tracing our way homeward, when "Home, Sweet Home" 
in the very style to suit our mood, came floating gently 
down to ns from the Silver Cornet Band. This band was 
organized in 1872, the citizens subscribing from $150 to 
$2(J0, brass instruments being purchased at the time. In 
1875 the band purchased silver instruments, at a cost of 
from $600 to $700. Upon the organization of the band J. 
T. Montgomery was elected leader, which position he has 
ever since held. At the outset, not one of them, unless it 
was the leader, could play a tune correctly; now they fur- 
nish music for the neighboring towns, going as far, upon 
one occasion, at least, as Illinois. To illustrate the pro- 
ficiency they have made in so short a time, as their invita- 
tion to Illinois would indicate, we will tell you a little 
story. The next day after the burning of the flouring mill, 
two suspicious looking men were arrested and tried before 
'Squire Moulton; Captain Stuart acting as prosecutor. It 
was alleged they were seen lurking near the mill the eve- 
ning previous, and they were trying to prove an alihi. 
They asserted that they were in the grove north of town, at 
the time indicated, and the Captain asked them who else 
was there. They answered, " the band." " What were 
they playing?" queried he, "Coming Through the Rye," 
promptly answered the witness. " That's so; I've no more 
questions to ask." Some one wanted to know of Mr. S. 
why he accepted that answer as final. " Oh, I Tcnow its 
true, for that's all they can play." 

Monday morning we went to school, to the new school 
house, a fine brick building, 48x54 ft., two stories high, 
besides a high basement, with five ordinary school rooms 
and two recitation rooms. It was built in 1875 by Mr. 
Corry, and is the best building in the county, and much 
better than those usually built by towns, the size of Stuart. 
Cost of the building, $11,000. Stuart was made an inde- 
pendent district in the spring of 1872, and the first school 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 135 

board elected was J. W. Hayes, president, J, E. Gharrett, 
J. Wolfinger, C. Green and Wm. Leach. To go back to 
the early times, the first school honse built here was in 
1870, by Kenworthy and Stuart, and when this sub-district 
was organized, the school district bought it of them. Be- 
sides this house, we had a school over McCann's (now 
liyan's) store, and finally we used the Christian Church for 
another school room, and when they all "ran over" we 
built the present house of which we are justly proud. We 
have two hundred and seventy-four pupils enrolled, five 
teachers, wdth Prof. J. T. Marvin as principal. Mr. Marvin 
is a native of Oneida county. New York; was educated 
at Grinnell and at the University at Iowa City. 

In room No. 4, we found Miss Eva Blanchard, surrounded 
by a happy little group, who seemed perfectly at home— a 
good sign in a school room. Miss Blanchard wvas born at 
Ft. Covington, New York, and educated at Ft. Covington 
Seminary. 

Miss Ellen P. Hall, a native of Osceola, Stark county, 
Illinois, and educated atKockford Seminary, presides, with 
a graceful dignity, over No. 3. 

Miss E. J. Decker, in No. 2, was born at Aurora, N. Y. 
and educated at Aurora Seminary. 

Miss Ida B. Crockett, In No. 1, is a native of Kittery, 
Maine, and was educated at the Illinois Normal at Engle- 
wood. Miss Crockett is a daughter of J. G. Crockett, fore- 
man of the railroad shops, and has been a resident of Stuart 
for the past five years, except when away at school. 

The present is a very efficient corps of teachers, and are 
doing a good work for Stuart. They have the encourage- 
ment so necessary to teachers, in the knowledge that their 
efforts are appreciated. Prof. Marvin has, with the assis- 
tance of his pupils, started a nice library, having already 
between twenty and thirty volumes. The present school 
board is comprised of the following named gentlemen: W. 
P. Moulton, president, O. B. Ward, M, Ryan, James Laird, 



136 "HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

land J. E. Sidebotham. Charles Berner, treasurer; D. 
Felgar, secretary. 

Speaking of teachers, we found three music teachers; 
Mrs. Wick, Miss Piper, and Miss Savage, of Elmira, N. Y., 
a sister to A. H. and A. A. Savage. 

We next interviewed the Lecture Association. B. S. 
Adams, j^resident; D. Felgar, secretary; W. P. Moulton, J. 
B. Blanchard and J. Tennant. executive committee. This 
Association was organized in the fall of 1875, and has fur- 
nished Stuart with entertainments she otherwise would have 
lacked. 

Next, in perfect Madam Grundy style, we sought to 
acquaint ourselves with the antecedents and business of 
our physicians. We first called upon Dr. Le Roy, he 
being our oldest acquaintance in the fraternity, having 
known him for the last seven years. The Doctor came to 
Guthrie county in the fall of 1869, locating at Panora, but 
removing to Stuart in 1870, having previously practiced his 
profession in Buffalo, N. Y., and Davenport, Iowa. Since 
his removal to this county he has twice had the western 
fever, and has lived (engaged in the practice of medicine) 
in Council Blufts, Iowa, St. Joseph, Missouri, and San 
Deigo, Southern California. Iowa appeared to be his 
destined home, and he has, at last, permanently located in 
in the town of Stuart, where he has erected one of the finest 
brick drug stores in Western Iowa. The Doctor was born 
in Ohio, and studied his profession in the city of Dublin, 
Ireland. His experience in the treatment of all classes of 
diseases, is quite extensive, having had sixteen years prac- 
tice in various towns and cities in the United States. 

The first physician in Stuart was a Dr. Horton, who 
practiced here a short time, when he sold out to Dr. Dosh, 
who came here ia May, 1870, from Davenport. The Doctor 
was born in New York, and was educated in his profession 
at Rush Medical College, Chicago. He commenced the 
practice of his profession in Stuart, where he has resided ever 
since; be is our pioneer doctor. In October, 1875, Dr. Dosh 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 137 

associated with himself in the practice of medicine. Dr. J. 
H. Kersey, who is a native of Hendricks connty, Indiana, 
and received his academic education at Spring School, In- 
diana; his medical education at Ann Arbor and Bellevue, 
New York. The Doctor came to Dallas county in 18G9, 
and to Guthrie in October, 1875. 

Dr. W. H. H. Crandall commenced the practice of medi- 
cine at Windsor, Brown county, New York, in 1840. In 
1843 he went to Pennsylvania where he continued in con- 
stant practice until the breaking out of the rebellion, when 
he went into the United States service. In 1863 he was dis- 
charged on account of disability, caused by over-work in 
the field. The Doctor came to Des Moines, from Scranton, 
Pennsylvania, in 1864, and to Stuart in 1874. He is a 
thorough reformer, having been one of the first members of 
the United States Reform Association. The Doctor has 
manufactured as well as used the "new remedies" for 
thirty years. 

Dr. D. Beach, a native of Ohio, was educated at Keokuk, 
Iowa. He came to Des Moines in 1859, where he practiced 
medicine for fifteen years. He came to Stuart in 1874, and 
expects to remain here. Previous to his coming to Des 
Moines, he spent six years in California. The Doctor's 
oflfice is on Nassau street, between Division and Tremont. 
Dr. James E. Roper was born in Edgefield district, S. C: 
was educated at S. B. M. College, at Macon, Georgia. 
Came to Iowa in 1869, and to Stuart in 1874. The doctor 
has practiced his profession for thirty-three years. 

Our researches among the attorneys of Stuart, elicited 
the following information: Charles Haden, Esq., whom we 
found at home, up stairs, one door east of the post-oflice, 
was born and educated on Nantucket Island. He came to 
Guthrie county on the 4th of October, 1875, in a most 
violent rain storm. At that time there was but one other 
lawyer in the county, Col. Nichols. In 1860, when the 
county seat was removed to Guthrie Centre, Mr. Haden fol- 
lowed it, and wh^n it returned to Panora, in 1SG2, re- 



138 HISTORY OF GUTimiE COUNTY. 

turned with it; where he remained until 1857, when he came 
to Stuart. Previous to his coming to Iowa, he practiced 
law in Indiana. Mr. Haden, coming to Guthrie county in 
her infancy, identified himself with her interests, and he is 
entitled to much credit for the persistency with which he has 
worked for her good. 

E. R. Fogg was born at Stetson, Maine; was educated at 
East Maine Conference Seminary ; came to Panora in 
August, 1865. In 1SG7 he was married to Miss C. Mount. 
In 1872 he went to Council Bluffs, where he remained but a 
short time; in the fall of the same j'ear he turned his face 
eastward, and stopped at Stuart; where he has remained 
ever since. Mr. Fogg is Stuart's oldest lawyer, and practi- 
cally her first . A man whose name I have forgotten and 
cannot learn, came here to practice law, but for some unac- 
countable reason, left town clandestinely. This was previ- 
ous to Mr. Fogg's coming. 

C. S. Fogg was born at Stetson, Maine; was educated at 
Bucksport, Maine, and also graduated in the law depart- 
ment of the Iowa State Universit}''. Mr. Fogg practiced 
his profession a short time in Panor?», and came 
to Stuart in September, 1872. His office is on Division 
street. 

B. S. Adams is a native of Pennsylvania ; was educated 
at Davenport, where he commenced the practice of law. 
He came to Guthrie county in 1868, settling at Panora, 
where he remained five years. He came to Stuart in 1873. 

West of J. P. McQuistion's dry goods store, there was 
built in March, 1876, a new office 16x40 feet, one and a half 
stories high. This is the office of the new law firm — Messrs. 
Tait & Failor — who came herefrom Newton, January, 1876. 
Mr. Tait, a native of Ohio, was educated at Mount Union 
College, Ohio. Mr. B. F. Failor, also a native of Ohio, 
was educated at Wettenburg, same State. 

" Well," exclaimed my friend Isaac, as we came down 
from this last office; " I enjoy these visits, but I'd like to 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 139 

know how many more lawyers we are going to see?" "We 
have but one more — Col. Raney — but we will see him when 
we go the Register office.-' " We've not been to the black- 
smiths' yet." "Well, we will go and see one of the old settlers 
lirst; I mean D. Hardy, on Division street, who came to 
Guthrie county in 1855. In May, 1S55, he started a black- 
smith shop in Panora, and with the exception of the time 
he w^as in the army, (of which we will speak in another 
chapter,) he has plied his trade and is said to be one of the 
best mechanics in the business. Mr. Hardy came to Stuart 
in 1871. 

On the same street, south of Nassau, we found Mr. Nel- 
son, blacksmith and w^agon maker, who came to Stuart in 
November, 1874. Mr. Nelson runs a steam emery wheel for 
polishing plows, &c. 

Mr. Williams, on west Division street, and F. Orbit, on 
Nassau, commenced business, respectively, in 1874 and 
1875. 

Mr. Middleton, on the south side, and Messrs. Rodecker 
& Pearson, finish the list of blacksmiths. I believe we have 
been everywhere but to the printing offices and the cemetery. 
We will first go and visit the Locomotive office on Division 
street, south side. The Stuart Locomotive was founded in 
January, 1871, by H. O. Hall, and sold to Capt. Stuart in 
the fall of 1872. The first year of Mr. Stuart's proprietor- 
ship, Chas. Morris edited the paper. In November, 1873, 
J. J. Flynn took editorial control of the paper. The Loco- 
motive has a circulation of 1,000; is the official paper of 
Adair county, and has a large circulation in Guthrie county. 
The office is supplied w^ith good newspaper and job presses*.. 
Another fi-xture of the office is Mr. John Thode, foreman, 
who commenced with the foundation of the paper and has 
faithfully " staid by " ever since. Mr. Flynn, editor, was 
born at Saratoga Springs, New York; was left an orphan at 
the age of three years. At thirteen years of age he went to live 
with the Hon. John Conklin, cousin to Hon. Roscoe, with 
whom be commenced his education, having the advantage 



140 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

of an extensive libraiy. He continued his studies at Ver- 
mont Conference Seminary; came west and taught school 
one year, and finally graduated at North Western Univer- 
sit3^ Evanston, Illinois. Mr. Flynn came to Stuart in the 
spring of 1873, taught school during the summer and fall, 
and while his school was yet in session, took editorial con- 
tol of the Locomotive. He is also editor of the Greenfield 
Transcript, of which Chas. Stuart is proprietor. 

My friends began to think me quite rude for quizzing 
people so, and had started down stairs while I stood gazing, 
transfixed, upon a genuine live curiosity. It was two 
huge objects, about the same size, connected by something 
that looked like a large wire, or stem, and surrounded by a 
halo — no, that's not the word; let me see, it was an aura — 
no, that is not it either; well, it was a misty something, 
any way. I gave it a glance and involuntarily tcok a step 
backward, toward the door; I looked again and took 
another step; then I whispered to the editor: " Are you a 
materializing medium?" "Oh, no indeed; why?" "I thought 
the Siamese twins were dead ." "Oh, yes ; they've been dead a 
year or two." " Well, isn't that their ghost?" " Thatf oh, 
no; iliat is the old meerschaum and Jack Thode." It 
occurred to me just then, that our friends wanted to see me 
down stairs. 

Our next " quizzing " place was the Register office. The 
Register was established in 1872 at Fontanelle, by Col. J. 
Raney, editor and proprietor, and moved to Stuart in 
October, 1875. Though the paper has been running here 
but six months, it already has a circulation of seven hund- 
red. A little historical sketch of the hand press used in 
this office, may not be uninteresting. In 1832, Rev. E. P. 
Lovejoy, brother to Hon. Owen Lovejoy, established 
at St. Louis, the St. Louis Observer, a religious 
paper, which was fearless and out-spoken, against all 
wrong-doing; the injustice and impolicy of slavery, received 
its full share of attention, and the paper was consequently 
called by its enemies, an abolition paper. In 1836,— St. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 141 

Lonis having become a very uncomfortable place for liim — 
he went to Alton, Illinois, and continued the publication of 
the Observer (changing the name to " The Alton Observer"). 
Amid the revilings and insults of his enemies, and the i>er- 
sonal violence of infuriated mobs, he continued to edit the 
paper until the 17th of August, 1837, having, during this- 
time, had three presses destroyed by pro-slavery mobs. 
He went to Cincinnati and purchased another press, which 
arrived at Alton on the 6th of November, and was guarded 
that night by the mayor and others ; but on the night of the 
7th, the warehouse wherein it was stored, and tvhich was 
guarded inside by Mr. Lovejoy and a few friends, was sur- 
surrounded by a mob, who, seeing no other way to accom- 
plish their fiendish purpose of destroying the press and 
types, set fire to the building, murdered Lovejoy and several 
others, by shooting, and threw the press into the river. 
This same press was afterwards fished out of the river^ 
cleaned, up and brought to Washington, Iowa. It has 
changed hands a great many times, and finally "brought up" 
in the Adair Register office, and was brought to Stuart by 
Col. Raney when he moved the paper here in 1875. Besides 
possessing historical interest, it is the oldest press in the 
State. Col. Raney was born in Tennessee, and educated 
at Wabash College, Indiana. He followed the trade of 
carpenter and builder for several years in New York, and 
finally moved to Joe Davis county, Illinois; where, in May, 
1861, he enlisted in the United States service, as Captain of 
Co. E., 15th 111. Inf. For meritorious conduct at Pittsburg 
Landing, April 6th and 7th, 1862, he was promoted to 
Major. In November, the same year,he was promoted to 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and to Colonel by brevet in September, 
1865, having served during the entire war. The Colonel 
came to Adair county in 1866, practiced law two years, was 
chosen Clerk of the Court, which position he occupied four 
years. In April, 1876, he sold the Register to Mr. Charles 
R. Wright. Mr. Wright was born near Hagerstown, Md.,. 
in October, 1844. In December, 1860 he removed to Ohio,. 



142 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

and in 1861 enlisted in the United States service in the 25th 
Ohio Infantry, and served in tlie ranks until the battle of 
Gettysburg, in July, 1863, at which battle he was wounded 
and remained in hospital until December, 1863. On the 
25th of December, he was commissioned by President Lin- 
coln as A. Q. M., and ordered to duty on Morris Island, S. 
C In March, was ordered to Jacksonville, Florida, where 
he remained until February, 1865. In 1872 he came to 
Davenport, Iowa, and for nearly a year worked as a com- 
positor in the Gazette office. From Davenport he removed 
to Adel, Dallas county, in 1873; since which time he has 
been employed as mechanical manager of the Dallas 
County News and Dexter Herald. Mr. Wright has been 
engaged in the printing business nearlj^ eighteen years, in 
Ohio, Pennsylvania and Iowa. 

Through the kindness of Mr. Corry we were shown what 
lie calls his den, but it looked to us more like an artist's 
studio. There were ranged singly and in groups the fated 
family of Mr. J. T. Montgomery, done in oil, by Mr. Mont- 
gomery himself. That of his father is is a very good like- 
ness, while the expressive features of his lovely wife, gaz- 
ing admiringly upon her baby boy, are so true to life, you 
cannot but make her doleful fate seem a horrid nightmare, 
while you gaze through a misty veil at her real self. Mr. 
M's. master piece is the cluster of fruit in the corner. He 
has genuine talent, but lacks the opportunity to improve it. 
What he has done he has done unaided by masters, and in 
moments snatched from his hours of rest and recreation. 

We have too, in Stuart, a poet and an elocutionist, of 
whom we will speak in another chapter. 

As we are so near the Sheriff's office we will go up and 
ask him to furnish us the census of Stuart for 1875 and 
1876. In 1875 the number of males was, 654; No. females, 
504. Total, 1,158. 

In 1876 the No. of males was, 873; No. of females, 801. 
Total, 1,674. No. of children ])orn in Stuart, 144. Total 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 143 

No. on the North Side, llSl. Total on the South Side, 
493. Gain over census of 1875, 516. 

Mr. J. Tennant, who furnished us these census items, 
came to Stuart in 1870, and was employed as fireman on 
the railroad. In August, 1872, he went with Wm. Maxwell 
to Texas, where he remained a short time. He, with the 
rest, who went at the same time, came home broken down in 
health, and did not recover from the Texas that he inhaled, 
imbibed and absorbed generally, for two or three years. 

In 1876 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, with head- 
quarters at Stuart. In wliatever place or occupation found, 
none more steadfast in principle, or truer to a trust assumed, 
than Judd Tennant. 

As the Cemetery is the last place to which any of us wish 
to go, we drove out there after everything else of interest 
had been seen. We found it one mile northeast of town, 
in a beautiful grove of oak trees, high and dry, and a most 
lovely location for the purpose for which it is designed. 
Lovely, did I say? Yes, lovely; for here in winter, the 
scraggy boughs, with their brown leaves, hold the pure 
mantle of snow, from "trailing" in the earth, and when 
spring time comes, the wild flowers spring up and teach us 
ia lesson of the universal resurrection. Here too, the happy 
wild birds may come and sing to us in our humble homes, 
and who may say we cannot hear them. 

The Cemetery was named Oak Grove, from the oak trees 
which cover its gently sloping knolls. The first interment 
was that of Mr. A. P. Booth, who died in August, 1874. Mr. 
Booth was a native of England, and had been, for several 
years previous to his death, employed by the C.,R. I. «&P. 
Railroad Company. 

In a short time after this the first grave was made in Oak 
Grove, another grave was made, and one of nature's love- 
liest children rests therein. Mrs. Clara, wife of Tommy 
Holmes, in her beauty and purity, with her life-work just 
begun, was called from love and duty, from wifehood and 



144 HISTORY OF GUTHEIE COUNTY. 

motherhood, from all that makes life grand and noble, and 
mourned and beloved by all who knew her, she rests in 
peace in her beautiful home. There are a great many graves 
here now, and while we wandered from one to another, we 
related the sad occurrences connected with the removal of 
some of these silent ones. 

iSever shall we forget the thrill of horror which ran 
through our community, on Saturday night, July 3, 1875, 
when messengers brought the news of the drowning of Mrs. 
J. T. Montgomery and two children, her father-in-law and a 
Mr. Baker. They had all been to a Fourth of July celebra- 
tion (the Fourth coming on Sunday, it was celebrated on 
Saturday) at Greenfield, Adair county, and were returning 
in the evening. They arrived at Middle river, just at dusk, 
and as they had had no trouble crossing in the morning, 
supposed it perfectly safe. There was no bridge at this 
place, so the river had to be forded. The terrible rain of 
the night previous had so swollen the stream as to make it 
extremely hazardous crossing, but Mr. Montgomery being 
fearless and rather daring, attempted the perilous feat. 
When midway of the stream, the wagon bed became de- 
tached and floated down stream, with all its precious 
freight, and all were lost save Mrs. John Montgomery and 
one of Mrs. J. T. Montgomery's children. J. T. Montgom-' 
ery, husband of the nnfortunate lady, had remained at 
Greenfield with the band, of which he is leader. The bodies 
were not recovered until Tuesday evening, when they were 
followed to Oak Grove by the largest concourse of people 
ever gathered together in the county. 

Speaking of drowning reminds us; there have been four 
deaths by drowning in the railroad pond, west of town. In 
1874 a boy by the name of Millis was drowned while bath- 
ing; in the summer of 1875 Sherman Smith was drowned 
in the same manner. Late in the autumn of 1875 two 
brothers— Sidebotham— were drowned while skating. The 
elder brother, a lad of fourteen, broke through the ice, and 
in his efforts to rescue him, the younger brother also went 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 145 

under, and both were drowned. It has been Mr. Thoraas 
Hubbard's lot to assist in recovering each of these bodies. 
As this seems to be a recital of horrors, we will tell you of 
one more. In the fall of 1S70 a Miss Jennie Swanson, while 
in a temporarily deranged state of mind, threw herself be- 
fore an approaching train, and was horribly mutilated, her 
head being severed from her body. 

I think of still another, which however, did not terminate 
fatally. In the summer of 1872 Johnny Hayes was struck 
by a ball club, which slipped from the hands of Arthur 
Piatt, a school-mate. Though a severe surgical operation 
was had, and a three month's sickness followed the acci- 
dent, yet the little fellow bore it all bravely, recovered, and 
is now living in Chicago. 

Lest I have overlooked any one, I will recapitulate and 
see. There are in Stuart, 2 hotels; 5 boarding houses; 1 
bank; 2 lumber j^ards; 2 hardware stores: 4 drug stores; 
7 grocery stores ; 3 meat markets; 2 bakeries and restau- 
rants; 2 shoe stores; 2 clothing stores; 3 milliners; 3 jewel- 
ers; 2 carriage and wagon shops; 5 blacksmith shops; 2 
harness and saddlery stores; 2 livery stables; 2 elevators; 
1 steam flouring mill; 1 furniture store; 3 music stores; 2 
jewing machine rooms; 3 agricultural implement ware- 
houses; 5 dry goods stores; 1 feed store; 3 carpenters and 
builders, with about 50 assistants; 2 coal dealers; 2 tailors; 
1 barber; 1 gunsmith; 5 billiard and other saloons; 5 drays 
and express wagons; 3 laundries; 1 boot black; 1 veterina- 
ry surgeon; 1 auctioneer; 2 brick makers; 4 live stock 
dealers; 2 telegraph offices; 2 halls; 5 churches; 1 school 
house; 3 ministers; 6 lawyers; 7 physicians; 1 dentist; 5 
real estate dealers ; 3 insurance agents; 5 schoolteachers; 3 
music teachers ; 2 secret societies; 2 news papers; 2 libra- 
ries; 1 silver cornet band; 1 photographer; a lecture asso- 
ciation; post office, and cemeter3^ We have besides a 
deputy sheriff, a poet, a painter and elocutionist. The 
railroad shops; several coal banks near town, which furn- 
ish a very fine article of coal, 2 milk wagons and a brew- 



146 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

ery, I believe complete the list. This, when we consider 
that it is but just seven years since the first house was built 
in Stuart, is an excellent showing. 

Note. — Stuart was " written up " in February and March, 
and there have been several changes in the business houses 
which I will note briell3^ 

The Dean House was purchased in August by Mr. But- 
ton, who came from Dexter! Mr. D. and family are good, 
intelligent people, desirable neighbors, and we welcome 
them, but we regret to lose Mr. and Mrs. Dean. Mr. D. is 
here yet, but his wife is at present with friends in Mo. We 
hope she will return, as we cannot well spare her. She is one 
of the few women who have the courage to assert their in- 
dividuality and live accordingly; not copying Mrs. Grund}^ 
nor any of her numerous relatives. Mrs. Dean was born 
in Genesee county, N. Y., educated at Pembroke, same 
State. Though petite in stature and delicate in health, she 
has accomi3lished much good. Having no children of her 
own, she has always given a home to one or more homeless 
girls, who have found in her a mother indeed, for mother 
love asserts itself in good women, though they have never 
borne children. Discountenancing wrong, yet ever ready to 
forgive and lend a helping hand to the erring, she lives out 
the belief that " to err is human; to forgive divine." 

J. P. Mcquistion, has returned to the oil regions, where 
he is interested in oil wells, and a Mr. Persons has opened 
a hardware store in the place occupied by the former gen- 
tleman. 

J. Taylor has opened*a grocery in Moulton, & Little's 
place, (where they kept a shoe store,,) and Mr. Moulton is 
editing the Locomotive, Mr. Flynn having gone to Dubuque, 
where he is engaged, with the editorial staff, upon the 
" Times." 

Mr. Savage, the baker, (having married Miss Lou Dudley) 
has removed to Penn., and a Mr. Mack has opened a shop 
at the same stand. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 14T 

The firm of Tait & Failor is changed to Tait & Zeiger. 

Mr. Leonard has gone out of business, and another har- 
ness shop has been opened on Division street, north of Nas- 
sau, by Mr. Huffman. 

A new furniture store has been opened in one of Mr. 
Tait's new buildings, west of Walters' music store, by E. 
M. Cross. 

We have also two new meat markets. One on the South 
Side, by Mr. Fox, and one on Division street by Mr. Ault- 
man. 

There has been a change in the school, too, Mr. Marvin, 
retiring, and Prof. Cotton taking the place of Principal. 
The first school the Professor attended, at Bedford, Pa., was 
taught by Miss Matilda Marvin, now the mother of San- 
key, the singer, (Moody's Sankey.) 

The seating capacity of our school house is 240, and the 
number of pupils attending school 356. The Episcopal 
Chapel is used as a school room. 

Another hardware store has just been opened by a Mr. 
Smythe. 

A Loan and Insurance office by S. P. Rhoades. 

CHURCHES. 

The first religious service held in the county was by Rev. 
Michael Hare, of Des Moines, in 1850, at the residence of 
Mr. Kunkle, in Jackson township. Mr. Hare was of the 
M. E. Church, and preached occasionally at the cabin of 
Mr. Kunkle, and also at the home of Mr. Bay, in Cass. 

The first Church building was the historical Presbyterian. 
Church, in Panora, which was built in 1856. 

In 1852 the friends of the U. B. Church effected an orga- 
nization in Panora, but built no church until '61. 

In 1S53 about a dozen persons, who had removed from 
Indiana, and settled on Beaver Creek, organized themselves 
into a society called the Church of God, sometimes known 
as Winebrennarians. For several years they had no min- 
ister of their own, but kept up their meetings with but little- 



148 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

preaching, until 1862, when Elder Nye settled among them. 

They number at present about sixty members, and their 
pulpit is regularly supplied by Elder Richardson, of Dex- 
ter. 

In some things this society is quite peculiar; having no 
discipline, or articles of faith; taking the scriptures as their 
only rule; taking no distinctive name, other than that the 
church was designated by in the days of the apostles , and 
in the washing of each others feet as a religious ordinance. 
In their meetings they give the largest liberty to all chris- 
tian people, allowing any one who desires, to take part in 
their exercises, claiming every christian person as a brother 
or sister. At Enos Miller's residence, and at the old Bea- 
ver gchool house, appointments have been kept up for 
twenty years. 

In 1862 a Congregation of Brethren, formerly known as 
German Baptists, or Bunkers, was organized by Elder H. 
Flory, Joel Brubaker and Geo. Kinny, ministers, and Wm. 
Bennett and David Miller, deacons, who held a series of 
public meetings, and also a council meeting, at which it was 
decided that a love feast should be held, in June of the 
same year, at the residence of D. Brumbaugh. 

During the progress of these meetings, all persons hold- 
ing letters of membership, united with the Indian Creek 
Church, which, at that time, embraced six or more counties. 

At the time of holding the first love feast, the Congrega- 
tion had eight members, namely; Jacob Walters, J. W. 
Deihl, J. D. Haughtelin, A. H. Haughtelin, Eliza Haugh- 
telin, S. A Chamberlin, Catherine Walters and Lydia 
Brumbaugh. 

In June, 1865, 'Coon River Congregation came into ex- 
istence, with Des Moines river as its eastern boundary, the 
south line of this tier of counties as its southern boundary, 
and with no known western or northern boundary. 

In 1871, B. E. Plaine and A. McClaren, generously dona- 
ted three acres of ground to the society, whereon to build 
^ meeting house, and for a burying ground. The building 



HISTORY OF GUTIIEIE COUNTY. 149 

was erected in 1873. The present membership is one hun- 
dred-and twenty; five ministers; two of them ordained el- 
ders, or bishops, and five deacons. 

The church bnilding is 40x40 feet in size, and cost $2,000. 

In the winter of -55 the Friends held volnnteer meetings, 
at the residence of David Bowles and others in Penn town- 
ship. After holding meetings for several months they were 
visited by a minister, or traveling Friend, by the name of 
Daniel Wood, who advised them to request for a prepara- 
tive meeting. This, however, was not then granted. An 
established meeting for worship only, was granted in the 
fall of '55, and a preparative meeting shortly thereafter. 
The volnnteer meetings commenced with a mere handful of 
worshipers, and when their first " reejuest " was made 
there were but nine families in this society. In 1856 Bear 
Creek monthly meetings were held here and at Bear 
Creek alternately. In 1865, there being a sufl^icient number 
of members, Summit Grove monthly meeting was estab- 
lished. Their church edifice, known as the Summit Grove 
meeting house, near Stuart, was built in the autumn of '56. 

Spring Yalley preparative meeting, in ThomjDson town- 
ship, forms a part of Summit Grove monthly meeting. 

The number of families belonging to this meeting is sixty. 

As most of the churches and church organizations are 
spoken of in the history of the different towns and town- 
ships, I will not give them here. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the county was a " subscription 
school," taught by Spencer Catlin, in 1852, at his own res- 
idence, a log house, in the Kunkle neighborhood. The 
number of pupils was 15. 

The first school house built in the county was at Panora, 
in 1853, and the first public school, taught by Dr. Sloan, in 
December, 1853. 

This was a frame building, Richard Gilbert, builder, and 

10 



150 niSTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

besides its use for school purposes, took the place of church, 
court house, town hall, etc. 

Theophilus Bryau, M. Leinart and Richard Giljjert com- 
posed the first school board for Cass township. 

As the county became more thickly settled, a school was 
taught in nearly every neighborhood, sometimes at the 
cabin of one of the settlers, and sometimes a house was 
built for that purpose. 

As the townships were organized and made district town- 
ships, houses were built by the district. 

In order to show what advancement we have made in 
educational matters, the old settlers interested, if any re- 
main in the county, will allow me to relate an " anecdote" 
or two, illustrative of the manner in which some of our 
early shools were conducted. When Highland was made a 
district township, it was not divided into sub-districts for 
some time. There was but one school house in the town- 
ship for several years, though there were several schools 
taught. 

The lirst school taught in this township was by a Mr. 
McCoy, a man habitually so ver?/ tired as to sleep most of 
the time, and when the children thought it time to recite, 
they would wake him up and inform him that their lessons 
were ready. 

Another school in Highland was obtained and conducted 
•in an entirely original manner. OneMorden who w^as sub- 
director for his district, induced a friend to represent him, 
to the County Superintendent, as being well qualified for 
the position of teacher. His excuse for not seeing that 
official in person, was urgent business in another direction. 

The friend secured a certificate for him, and being sub- 
director, he liired himself and taught by proxy, his wife 
doing, or pretending to do the teaching. She began with 
six or seven pupils, but they dropped off, one by one, until 
she had but two or three left. 

One day a neighbor from another district, seeing one of 
her former pupils running at large, asked him why he was 



mSTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 151 

not in school. "0, 'cause the school ain't worth a ; 



the school ma'am washes, cooks, sweeps and keeps school 
all at one time; then she doctors folks, too." 

She taught in the same shanty in which the family resided, 
and when Mr. M. went to draw his pay, he brought in a 
bill for fuel, house rent, and teacher's wages. 

In another sub-district, in a neighboring township, there 
lived one family, consisting of a man, his wife and two 
small children. 

At a meeting of the school board, in which he represented 
his sub-district, he asked for a stove, with which to heat the 
school room, saying he would furnish the room. A war- 
rant was given him, with authority to purchase a stove, 
w^hich he did without delay, and without delay he proceeded 
to set it up, in place of his old cook stove, which was worn 
out. He had bought a new cooking stove which should 
answer the double purpose of heating the school room and 
cooking the family dinners. The pipe ran up through the 
■ceiling and through a low upper room, a drum being placed 
upon it, in this room, which was converted into a school 
room. 

He next hired his wife as teacher, and two or three times 
a day she went up to the school room, by climbing a lad- 
der, little thinking she was climbing the "ladder of Fame;" it 
was the very necessary and almighty dollar that prompted 
her. She, too, charged for fuel, rent and wages. 

This last story comes from Union township, which fur- 
nishes another interesting school item. 

One of the sub-districts contained but one family, yet the 
township had furnished them a house. As in the other 
<.*ases, the man hired his wife to teach the school, which was 
composed of her own four or five little ones. Teachers 
wages at this time were $30 per month. 

One warm day she carried a large basket of wool to 
school — it was not Mary's little lamb — and set the pupils 
picking it. 

The work was progressing finely and all seemed happy; 



152 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

she was, no donbt, revolving in her mind, the problem of 
how many yards of flannel it would be necessary to make, 
in order to clothe that school, when a shadow fell across 
the floor. Great Heavens! Poe's Raven cast not a blacker 
shade than this to her. There stood the County Superin- 
tendent! 

Whether he drilled that school in the intricacies of wool 
picking, tradition saith not. Neither does tradition say 
whether any of the above teachers went to Congress. They 
certainly deserve well of their country. 

In 1856 there were but four townships in the county, viz: 
Cass, Jackson, Bear Grove and Dodge. 

In 1863 there were eleven districts in the county and forty- 
five sub-districts. No. of school houses, three brick and 
twenty-three frame. 

The earliest report on file in the County Superintendent's 
oflBce, is for the period between October 5, 1865, and Octo- 
ber 4, 1866. From this report we have 

No. district townsliips 12 

Sub-districts 53 

No. persons bet-\veen the ages of 5 and 21, males, 832; females 804 

No. schools in the countj' 51 

No. pupils attending in the county 1341 

No. teachers in the county, males, 38; females 43 

Average compensation for teachers per week, for males, $8.25; for 

females $5 95 

Average No. days taught, tor winter, 2743; for summer 2704 

Average cost of tuition per week, for each pupil is, for winter, $ .64; 

for summer $ 52 

Aggregate amount paid teachers during the year is $7 781 02 

Amount of teachers' fund in hands of District Treasurers 861 47 

NO. OF SUB-DISTRICTS. 

Cass 8 Penn 4 Dodge 3 Union 1 

Centre 8 Orange 4 Beaver 1 Bear Grove 2 

Jackson 8 Thompson 5 Highland 1 Panora, Ind.... 2 

Total 12—52 

During this period James L. Grandstafi" was Superin- 
tendent, the first in the county. 

Gs C. Miller, our present very efficient Superintendent, 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 153 

reports in 1875, a school population of 3,633, and 126 
schools. 

District townships, in 1875, were 15; Independent dis- 
tricts, 3. 

(Penn and Jackson townships have since organized Inde- 
pendent districts.) 

No. teachers employed, 95 males; 116 females. 

Average paid teachers, $30.15 males; $29.61 females. 

Between the ages of 5 and 21, 1,930 males; 1,703 females. 

No. school houses, frame, 114; brick, 4. 

Value of the same, 857,875. 

Value of the apparatus, $1,599. 

Volumes in library, 39. 

Teachers' fund on hand at last report, $4,436.82. 

School house fund, credit $16,517.65. 

Contingent fund, credit $5,638.56. 

Guthrie county has the honor of being the first county in 
the State, to comply with the Act of the Legislature in its 
session of 1874, creating County High Schools. 

At present, the school is being taught in the old Court 
House, at Panora, but the contract has been let for build, 
ing a new brick building, the people having voted a por- 
tion of the Swamp Land Fund to that purpose. 

A brief history of this fund will not be out of place here, 
. The swamp land fund of Guthrie county, originated from 
a donation of the swamp and overflowed lands of the State 
of Iowa, by the United States, under an Act of Congress, 
passed in 1850. The Legislature of Iowa conveyed to the 
different counties of the State, such of these lands as lay 
within the limits of each county. 

The county of Guthrie ordered the selection of the swamp 
lands, in the spring of 1855; the agent, Capt. Thos. Seely, 
who was appointed by Judge James Henderson, selected 
and returned to Commissioner of the General Land Office, 
in July following, 11,700 acres. 

Of this amount, all with the exception of 720 acres, had 



154 HISTORY OF GUTIIEIE COUNTY. 

been sold by the United States, previous to the approval of 
the selections, made by the county agent, by the Commis- 
sioner. Of the last named amount, 400 acres have been 
patented to the county, and the Government has indemni- 
lied the county for 2,400 acres, sold for cash, amounting to 
$3,000, and 4,440 acres in scrip which was located in Car- 
roll county. By the sale of this last named amount, the 
county has realized $22,000. Estimated value of land now 
owned by the county, is $2,000. Total, $27,000. 

The count}' has still a claim of about 5,000 acres, for 
which the Government has not given indemnity, and 3,200 
acres in controversy with the Chicago, Rock Island and 
Pacitic Railroad. 

In February, 1876, by a vote of the people, this fund was 
decided to be used in the construction of a Court House 
and a High School building. 

The County High School was organized in January, 1876, 
with M. M. Wagner, as principal, and C. E. Peterson, 
assistant. The school opened with sixty pupils, and the 
daily average has continued about the same. 

The school board[jis composed of G. C. Miller, president; 
.L. J. Pentecost, secretary; Dr. John Bower, treasurer; Jas. 
Foster and W. T. Conner, trustees. 

G. C. Miller, County Superintendent, is a native of In- 
diana; came to Guthrie in 1870; was elected to the office in 
1873, but his duties began in January, 1874. Mr. Miller 
was educated at Des Moines. 

Mr. Wagner was educated at the State Normal at Pots- 
dam, N. y., his native place. 

Mr. Peterson, who came to Guthrie 'in 1856 (conse- 
■quently an old settler though a young man), is a native 
of Sweden, and was educated at the Agricultural College 
at Ames. 

Under the present management. Prof. F. C Wildes, a 
native of Bath, Maine, where he was educated, takes the 
place of Principal of the High School, the other two gen- 
tlemen acting as assistants. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 155 

Mr. Wildes came to Iowa in 1869, settling at Burlington, 
where he remained bnt a short time; he then removed to 
Danville, where he resided four years, then to New Lon- 
don, where he remained three years, and came to Guthrie 
in September, 1876. 

On the 8th day of May, 1876, each of the High School 
boys set out, upon the school grounds, a Centennial tree. 
May the trees, as well as the boys, "live long and pros- 
per." 

As sketches of the schools of the different towns are 
given in the descpription of the towns, I will not repeat 
them here. 

Every effort is being made to improve our schools, and 
to raise the standard of qualifications of our teachers. 
The educational system of our State, while inferior to none, 
far surpasses in excellence, that of many older States. 

Our intelligent people believe, that expenditure in pro- 
viding schools of the highest order, is economy, and econ- 
omy is wealth. They appreciate that a close connection 
exists between intelligence, honesty and a " worldly com 
petence," while ignorance and vice go hand-in-hand with 
poverty. They believe with Daniel Webster, that " if we 
work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, 
time will efface it; but if work upon immortal minds, if we 
imbue them with high principles, we engrave upon these 
tablets, something which no time can efface, but which will 
brighten to all eternity. The teacher in the common school 
or the Sabbath school may, with the sunlight of truth, 
photograph upon the tender minds committed to his charge, 
a thousand forms of holy beauty." 

The contract for building the High School building at 
Panora, has been let to Jackson & Garlow of that place. 

Dimensions of the building are: basement, 58x37, with 
two wardrobes, 10-2x12-8 and 11-10x11-10; two school 
rooms in the basement. First floor about the same as the 
basement. High School room occupies the upper story, 
and is, in size, 50x34. Main hall, 28x14. 



156 



HISTORY OF GUTUPwIE COUNTY. 



I have obtained, through the kindness of Prof. AVildes, 
the course of stud}^, introduced by that gentleman and 
adopted by the High School Board. 



GUTHRIE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL. 

COURSE OF STUDY. 



PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT. 

Ftrist Term. Second Term. Third Term. 



Reading, 

English Gnimmar, 
Arithmetic, 
Algebra, 



Physiology, 
English Grammar, 
Arithmetic, 
Algebra, 



Physiology, 
English Grammar, 
Modern Geography, 
Algebra. 



REGULAR COURSE. 

SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, LANGUAGE. 



First lerm,. 

Natural Philosophy, 
Geometry, 
German or Latin, 



FIRST YEAR. 

Second Term. 

Natural Philosophy, 
Geometry, 
German or Latin. 



Third Term. 

Chemistry, 
Geometry, 
German or Latin. 



Physiology. Lecture every three weeks. 



Chemistry, 
Trigonometry, 
General History, or 
French or Greek, 
German or Latin. 



SECOND Y'EAR. 

Chemistry, 
Trigonometi*y, 
General History, or 
French or Greek, 
German or Latin. 



Geology, ) o^l.^-' 

Eng. Literature [position. 
General History, or 
French or Greek, 
German or Latin. 



GeolOCV, ) Or Latin 

T-i T ... i r Prose Co 

Eng. Literature [position. 
Rhetoric, or French or 

Greek, 
German or Latin. 



THIRD YEAR. 

Astronomy, | or Latin 

T-, T .. \ - Prose Com- 

Eng. Literature \ position. 
Rhetoric, or French or 

Greek, 
German or Latin. 



Astronomy, \ p'o^'cL 
Eng. Literature j ^mo^"' 
Constitution of U. S., or 

French or Greek, 
German or Latin. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTy. 157 

FOURTH YEAR. 

Zoology, } Or Greek Prose Com- ZOOlOgV, ) Or Greek Prose Com- Civil GOVemmeilt, 

BotarTy, f p"*''*-"'- Botany, i position- Botany, or Ancient Geo- 

physical Geography, or Physical Geography, or grapjiy, 

French or Greek, French or Greek, Moral Philosophy, or 

German or Latin. German or Latin. French or Greek, 

German or Latin. 

Music. 

Drawing. — One lesson per week. 

Classes of the Preparatory Department, and of the first and second 
years of the regular school, have compositions and declamations each, once 
in three weeks, alternately. 

Classes of the Preparatory Department, and of the first, second and 
third years of the regular school, have spelling and definitions once a week. 

Written examinations every four weeks, and also at the close of each 
term of twelve weeks, upon the work of the term. Upon the last examina- 
tion depends promotion to higher grades. 

Pupils who pass satisfactory examination, will be admitted to the school 
at the beginning of each term. 

At the beginning of each term, a so-called normal class is formed for the 
benefit of those young ladies and gentlemen who expect to teach at the close 
of the term. But we expect after this year to extend the normal course to 
at least one year, and have, as requisites for admission, the completion of the 
Sigh ScTiool course, or satisfactory examination upon the work included in 
that course. 

This will furnish the county with at least partially educated teachers, and 
will necessarily bring the schools to a much higher grade than they at pres- 
ent have. 

Teachers of the school at present: 

F. C. Wildes, Principal. 

C. E. Petkrson, 

M. M. Wagner. 

POST OFFICES. 

Previous to 1852 the few pioneers of Guthrie received their 
mail matter at Panooch, and McKay, in Dallas county. 

In 1852 a petition was sent to the Post Office Department, 
for a post office at Panora, (the petitioners did not ask for a 
mail route, as they knew they could not get it,) which was 
granted, and John Anderson appointed post master. The 
citizens paid the expenses of carrying the mail, which was 
done by any person who might be going either way. 



l^S IIISTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

The post office was an old straw hat, suspended by a 
piece of twine from the rafters of the cabin, and when any- 
one wished to ascertain if the " dear ones left behind" had 
remembered them, they had only to tip the hat and ex- 
amine its contents. Mr. Anderson was then living on the 
Hosier place. 

At the expiration of the year, or in 1853, Judge Bryan 
was appointed post master, and kept the office at his cabin. 
Valentine Leinart, a lad of eleven years, carried the mail 
weekly, to and from Redfield, at twenty-five cents a trip; 
Richard Gilbert's pet pony " Old Phil," figured in this ex- 
tensive mail arrangement, as he carried the boy. Valentine 
was regular and prompt, and understood the responsibility 
of his position. A little girl one day ran after him, hold- 
ing a letter in her hand, which she wished him to carry to 
the office for her mother. " No, sir," said he emphatically ; 
" you don't come that on me; you take that letter to the 
post office, and if Tie gives it to me, I'll carry it." 

In 1852 a post office was established in Jackson town- 
ship, and called Allen, in honor of B. F. Allen, of Des 
Moines; Hoyt Sherman was then post master at the "Fort," 
and on the 16th day of August, 1852, J. W. Cummins was 
commissioned post master. He kept the office at his cabin 
on the Mount place, until he sold to Mr. Mount in '54, when 
he resigned and James Mount was appointed. 

After Fairview — since Morrisburg — was located, in 1855, 
the office was moved there, and James Moore appointed 
post master; he served a short time, when J. J. Morris was 
appointed. 

In May, 1856, a post office was established at Guthrie 
Centre, and Mr. Charles Huxley, the present incumbent, 
appointed post master. The office was kept in a little log 
house on the corner of State and Prairie streets, built by Mr. 
E. B. Newton, and used as a dry goods and grocery store, 
as well as a tailor shop ; the latter being kept by the post 
master. 

This office was kept up by private means, the citizens, 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 15^ 

Capt. Seeley, E. B. Newton, Wm. Tracy and Chas. Huxley, 
hiring a man to carry the mail to and from Allen post office- 
at Fairview, a distance of thirteen miles. Mr. Huxley car- 
ried the mail on horseback, when a horse could travel, and 
upon his own back when the roads were too bad for a 
horse. 

In July, 1856, a mail route was established from Adel to 
Magnolia, and the contract for carrying the mail awarded 
to a Mr. Maddox. This contract was for two years; in the 
winter of '57, Mr. W. W. Newton, brother to E. B., bought 
the contract of Mr. Maddox. The next contract (for four 
years, from July, '58 to July, '62,) was let to Downs & 
Butler. The next four years (from '62 to ^66,) was let to E. 
B. Newton. 

Previous to the establishing of a mail route, these offices 
were supplied weekly; afterward, semi-weekly. There are 
now twelve post offices in the county, seven of which have 
daily mails, namely: Stuart, Guthrie, Casey, Dale City, 
Panora, Guthrie Centre, and Dalmanutha ; while Bear 
Grove, Dodge, Moffitt's Grove, Tuttle's Grove and Advance, 
have a weekly, or a semi-weekly mail. 

A little over twenty years ago, a mail route was estab- 
lished through the county, and the citizens thought it a 
gigantic stride ( as it was) toward civilization; to-day we 
can read the morning's " daily," printed at the capital of 
the State, every morning at breakfast, while those of us 
who live away from the railroad, can read it at dinner and 
at tea time. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

THE WESTERN PIONEER — DEMOCRATIC. 

The Western Pioneer was the first newspaper published in 
the county. It was established at Guthrie Centre, the first 
issue appearing January 15th, 1856; Wm. Tracy, editor 
and proprietor. It was printed in a log house 16x18 feet,, 
the same being occupied by a family of sixteen persons^ 



160 HISTORY OF GUTHKIE COUNTY. 

The house stood half a mile west of town. After publish- 
ing the first number, Mr. Tracy purchased the frame of an 
old saw mill, moved it up to town, and converted it into a 
a printing office, where he continued the publication of the 
Pioneer at odd intervals, for several months, after which it 
was published regularly as a weekly. It was so cold in the 
mill, they were obliged to heat the press — so the ink would 
work — by placing under it, a kettle of burning coals. 

THE GUTHRIE SENTINEL — DEMOCRATIC. 

The first number of this paper was issued January 25th, 
1856, at Panora, by John E. Parrish, editor and proprietor. 
It was issued regularly, weekly; was a small sheet 13x20 
inches. The first five issues (I was shown a file of the 
papers, which is still in Mr. Parrish's possession,) contain 
President Pierce's message, being continued from one num- 
ber to another. 

In November, 1856, Mr. Parrish sold a half interest in the 
paper to B. F. Dilly. He then purchased of Wm. Tracy, 
the Western Pioneer and press. In the winter of 1857 he 
removed both presses to De Soto, Nebraska, where he pub- 
lished a paper called the Pilot. The " Sentinel " press was 
afterward removed to Harrison county, Iowa, and the 
*' Pioneer" press left at De Soto. 

THE GUTHRIE COUNTY GAZETTE — REPUBLICAN. 

This paper was established at Guthrie Centre, in the 
spring of 1859, by J. B. Beesack, proprietor. In 1861 
Stephen H. Springer took charge of the paper as editor and 
proprietor; at the expiration of one year he moved the 
offi.ce to Panora, where he continued the publication a short 
time, when he sold out to Mr. Beesack, who removed the 
*' outfit " to Poweshiek county. 

THE GUTHRIE COUNTY LEDGER — DEMOCRATIC. 

In April, 1861, the Ledger was established at Panora, by 
'Jf. M. Lahman. S. B. Nichols became a partner, but in a 



HISTOEY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 161 

short time sold his interest to P. H. Lenon, who in turn, 
sold back to V. M. Lahman. In 1S64 D. M. Harris pur- 
chased the paper and continued its publication until the 
fall of 1866. when he removed the press to Missouri Valley, 
Iowa. 

THE GUTHRIE COUNTY NEWS — REPUBLICAN. 

In 1864 S. H. Springer established the News, having pur- 
chased the press and material at Council Bluffs. In 1865 
Dr. E. B. Fenn became a partner. In 1866 they sold to A. 

F. Sperry and Frank Baker, who changed the name of the 
paper to The Guthrie Vedette. Sperry & Barker sold to 

G. W. Cambridge in 1867; and in 1868, Lew Apple, the 
present editor and proprietor, bought the press and paper. 

THE GUTHRIE CENTRE JOURNAL — REPUBLICAN. 

This paper was started in 1872, by S. H. Springer, who 
sold out in the fall of 1873. April 18th, 1874, F. A. Mann 
purchased the half interest in the Journal, owned by Henry 
Hess, and in conjunction with H. Kautzman, enlarged and 
changed the Journal to The Beacon Light, issuing the first 
number of the latter on the 21st of May, following. 

In March, 1875, F. A. Mann purchased the interest owned 
in the paper by H. Kautzman, and is still its sole editor, 
and proprietor. 

The paper is now Independent in politics. 

THE STUART LOCOMOTIVE — REPUBLICAN. 

The Locomotive was established in 1871, by H. 0. Hall,, 
who sold to Capt. Stuart in 1872. Chas. Morris edited the 
paper, the first year of Mr. Stuart's proprietorship, since 
which time J. J. Flynn has been its editor. 

THE CASEY UNION — REPUBLICAN. 

This was established in 1870, by E. M. Day. The paper 
changed hands several times, and finally, in 1872, Mr. Day 



162 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

bought back a part of the typo and material, and started 
The State Granger, which tiourished only a short time. 

THE CASEY CLARION — DEMOCRATIC. 

Hartpence & Marshall, editors and proprietors, estab- 
lished this paper in 1872, and in June, 1874, sold to Thos. 
Boydston, who in turn, sold to Ham. Kautzman, the present 
-editor, in December, 1875. 

THE STUART REGISTER — INDEPENDENT. 

This paper was removed to Stuart from Fontanelle, in 
October, 1875, by Col. Raney, editor and proprietor, and 
sold to Chas. R. Wright, in April, 1876. 

CLUB LAW. 

Every new settlement or community not under an organ- 
ized form of government, has its period of transition from 
first settlement, to a condition of law and order. Though 
our old settlers were, with very few exceptions, peaceable 
and honest men, yet as men will differ in their opinions of 
right and wrong, it was thought best to follow the example 
•of other counties in the State, and make laws whereby they 
mi^ht protect themselves against speculators and others, 
who might be disposed to dispute their claims. 

As there are some who do not understand the laws gov- 
erning the first settlement of these lands, I will explain 
as explicitly as possible their main features. 

The pre-emption Act, passed by Congress, for the benefit 
•of those settling upon government lands, provided that the 
heads of families should each have the right to take one 
hundred and sixty acres of land, and by living upon it, the 
■same should be exempt from entry for the period of twelve 
months from and after date of first settlement. 

"Claim Laws" were enacted by the people for mutual 
protection, and gave to each head of a family the right to 
claim S20 acres of land. If a man wished to make a claim 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 163 

he was obliged to build bim a habitation of some sort, 
usually of logs, or if accessible, rails, j)ut up cob-house 
fashion, and stay in it one night. He could then file his 
intentions to make a claim, with the officers of the Club. 

In order to retain his claim, the settler must not be absent 
at any one time to exceed six months; if he remained 
longer away his claim could be "jumped" by another, who 
wished to become a bona-fide resident. 

It was expected by these claim holders that at the expi- 
ration of the pre-emption period, the land would be o^^ened 
for entry, by the Government. However, before it was 
opened for entry, it was offered for sale to the highest bid- 
der; if any man failed to prove his pre-emption, another 
might bid over him. This, in most cases, would have 
been financial ruin, but the club prevented such disaster. 
The Government allowed the Claim-holder 160 acres, and 
the Club allowed him 320 acres, so it must defend his right 
to the other 160 until he could enter it ; by which time it was 
expected he would have the requisite sum " saved up." It 
cost him about 81,00 to pre-empt; then he saved the entry 
price by pennies and dimes; dollars were scarce in those 
days. For a vault, some of them used an old stocking; 
others the little tin savings bank, usually possessed by the 
little ones of the household. 

All claim-holders were members of the club, and they 
elected a committee of five, and adopted such rules and 
regulations as to them seemed necessary for their protec- 
tion. All violations of the rules were promptly reported to 
the committee, who at once called a meeting and notified 
the Clan of time and place of holding such meeting, and 
they turned out to a man. 

The old settlers of Polk County organized a club in 1848, 
and the rules and regulations adopted by this organization 
were afterwards adopted by Dallas and Guthrie counties. 

To the Hon. Thos. Mitchell, of Polk County, who was a 
member of the Club of that County, I am indebted for a 
copy of the following 



164 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

RESOLUTIONS : 

1st. Resolved, That we will protect all persons who do, 
or may hold claims, against the interference of any person 
or persons who shall attempt to deprive such claim holders 
of their claims and improvements by pre-emption, or oth- 
erwise. 

2nd. Resolced, That we will, in all cases, discountenance 
the speculator, or other person, who shall thus attempt any 
innovation upon the homes of the rightful settlers; that we 
will not hold fellowship with such person, and that he be 
regarded as a nuisance in the community. 

3rd. Resolved, That no person shall be allowed to pre- 
empt, or purchase in any form from Government, any land, 
which shall be held as a claim, unless he shall first obtain 
the consent of the claimant. 

4th. Resolved, That the filing of an intention to pre- 
empt any claim, contrar}^ to the rights of the settler, or 
claimant, be regarded as an attempt, wrongfully, to deprive 
the citizen of his home and his claim. 

5th. Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, 
and that it shall be their duty to inquire into and adjust all 
diflSculties and contentions in cases where claims are in 
dispute. 

6th. Resolved, That it shall be the duty of said committee 
to notify any person who shall pre-empt, or attempt to do 
so by filing his intention to pre-empt the claim of any other 
person, to leave the vicinity and country, and that they have 
authority to enforce, a compliance with said notice. 

7th. Resolved, That we will sustain and uphold said 
committee in decisions, and in the discharge of all their du- 
ties, as defined in the foregoing resolutions. 

8th. Resolved, That all persons be invited to sign the 
foregoing resolutions, and that the signers pledge them- 
selves to be governed by the same, and to aid in sustaining 
the same. 

The above resolutions, as before stated, were adopted 
by the Guthrie County Club. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 165 

There were very few cases in tliis county where complaint 
was made to the committee, for as a sjeneral thing, the rules 
of the Club were better observed by the pioneers than were 
Legislative Enactments. 

When it became necessary for the committee to use very 
stringent measures in adjusting disputes, it was called, 
" Raising the Club." 

One instance is related by old settlers in which the Club 
was raised in a very peaceable manner, or rather in which 
shrewd measures were taken to avoid the necessity of rais- 
ing the Club. When the auction sale of land took place at 
Des Moines, there were two or three speculators awaiting a 
chance to bid on some choice land in Guthrie, that was 
" claimed." To prevent this, members of the Club invited 
them to take a ride down below the Fort, which invitation 
they accepted, and were kept there until the sale closed. 

The land in this part of the State was surveyed in 1850, 
and opened for entry in 1S51. 

On the 30th day of June, 1851, William B. Cave entered 
the N. E. i of the N. E. i of Sec. 13, and S. E. i of the N. 
E. i, and the E. iof the S. E. i of Sec. 12, all in township 
78 north. Range 30 west, 5th P. M. This was the first land 
entered in Guthrie County. 

The second entry was made by one Samuel Carpenter, a 
soldier of the war of 1812; who laid an 80 acre warrant on 
lots 7 and 10, Sec. 2, T. 78, R. 30. 

Some of the first settlers, at times had considerable anx- 
iety with regard to their lands, and it required some watch- 
ing to guard them. Among those who settle any new coun- 
try, there is always found a class who come for a time, 
" squat " on, or even enter a piece of land and exist — usu- 
ally by trapping and hunting — until the march of civiliza- 
tion drives them further west; of course Guthrie county had 
a few of this class, among whom was one Ingraham who 
had bought 40 acres of land, near Guthrie Centre. Next to 
him was a very fine piece, which he coveted, but the 
land being entered by a non-resident, and he not having 
11 



166 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

the wherewith to purchase, thought he would obtain the 
same by strategy. He removed the corner stakes, carried 
them down near Panora and exchanged them for another 
set; that is, he put the stakes he had removed from the cov- 
eted piece, in the place of those belonging to another, which 
had not been entered, and vice versa, thinking thus to keep 
purchasers away until he had saved up money enough to 
buy the land; but he "counted w^ithout his host." Mr. E. 
B. Newton, who knew the "run" of the sections, discovered 
the fraud, and Ingraham was compelled to " change back," 
after which he left for parts unknown. 

Another story is told of one Rosecrans, who, when he 
wished to enter a certain tract of land in the eastern part of 
the county, and not being able to read the numbers, pulled 
up a corner stake, and taking it under his arm, walked to 
Des Moines, and marched boldly into the Land Office, ex- 
plaining to the Agent that he "wanted the land where that 
stake belonged." The Agent explained to him the nature 
and penalty of his act, but in pity to his ignorance, prom- 
ised not to have him punished, if he would carry back the 
stake and put it where it belonged. Glad to escape so eas- 
ily, but trembling at the thought of coming so near the 
Penitentiary, he did not let grass grow under his feet, in re- 
placing that stake. 

This is the same man of whom Mr. E. B. N. afterward 
purchased a farm, or rather a piece of land. Mr. R. told 
him to come down on a certain day, and they would go to 
the " Squires " and have a deed made out, and they would 
sign it. " Now look a here, ole man," interposed his wife, 
" wa'ts the use a foolin Mr. N. down here ? I won't sign the 
deed; you Tinom I wont." "Yes you will, by G — d; you 
know you will," roughly replied the husband. At the ap- 
pointed time all parties put in an appearance at the office 
of the justice — said office being a little cabin, of course — 
and Mrs. R. still insisted that she would not sign the deed. 
The justice remarked that she was evidently there for some 
purpose, and it seemed to him it would be just as well to 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 167 

sign it at once, if she was going to do so. " Well, I'll not 
sign it without a new drjess any how," was the diplomatic 
reply. Upon being promised the dress, she was quite will- 
ing to •' make her mark." 

JUDGES, COURTS, ETC. 

Guthrie county is in the Forty-ninth Senatorial, the 
thirty-ninth Representative, the Seventh Congressional and 
the Fifth Judicial District. It is also in the Second Circuit 
of the Fifth Judicial District. 

Previous to its organization, Guthrie county was attached 
to Dallas, for Judicial and Revenue purposes. In 1853 she 
was added to the Sixth Judicial 3)istrict, of which James 
Sloan was elected Judge, in 1851; he resigned in 1852, and 
Allen A. Bradford appointed to fill the vacancy. The latter 
was elected in 1853, and resigned in 1855, when E. H. Sears 
was appointed. In 1856 the boundaries of the district were 
changed, and C. J. McFarland elected Judge. 

In 1858 the boundaries of the district were again changed 
and: 

J. H. Gray elected October 12, 1858. 

J. H. Gray elected October 14, 1862. 

Died October 14, 1865, and C. C. Nourse appointed Octo- 
ber 16, 1865; qualified October 20; resigned August 1, 1866, 
and H. W. Maxwell appointed to fill vacancy August 1st. 

H. W. Maxwell elected August 9, 1866. 

H. W. Maxwell re-elected October 11, 1870. 

John Leonard elected October 13, 1874. 

CIRCUIT JUDGES. 

F. W. Mott was elected in 1868. 
John Mitchell was elected in 1872. 

John Mitchell was nominated, and will, in all probability, 
be elected in 1876. 

The first District Court held in the county was in Septem- 
ber, 1803, Judge A. A. Bradford presiding; clerk, S. G. 



168 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

Weeks; sheriif, J. W. Cummins. It was held in the Rob- 
berts House, then belonging to Judge Bryan, though unfin- 
ished and unoccupied. When the Judge arrived, the 
County Judge was absent, the sheriff and the clerk were at 
home, eight or ten miles from Panora, not aware that there 
would be court. The Judge sent for them, and a jury was 
called consisting of Richard Gilbert, Asa Cox, Alexander 
Wasson and Joseph Ricks, the only ones that answered to 
the call. Two or three defaults were taken and one case 
tried, that of Dr. Gaff", of Winterset, against A. Moore for 
professional services. After the case went to the jury, it 
was compromised by the parties. This was the first law 
suit in the county, having been previcfusly tried before 
Justice Hougham; M. L. McPherson for the plaintiff', and 
Fred Fry for d^^fendant; verdict for the plaintiff". The 
case was appealed with the above result. At the trial be- 
fore the Justice, several of the jurors were citizens of Dallas 
county. 

At the trial before the District Judge, his Honor paid 
the witness fees. 

Judge Bradford's home was in Sidney, Fremont county ; 
the district then was bounded on the east by a line run- 
ning east of Dallas count}^, on the south by the State 
line, and on the west by the Missouri river. When 
the Judge came, he drove a mule team and carried 
his rations with him. He stopped on the prairie, " staked " 
his mules, ate his lunch, and went up to hold court; while 
thus engaged, the cattle mutilated his harness to such an 
extent, as to make it necessary to supply missing parts 
with rope. 

The next term of the District Court was held in the spring 
of 1854, at which time the first grand and petit juries were 
impanneled. The Judge— Bradford— " swore" them upon 
the bible, compelling every grand juryman to kiss the 
same. 

The first criminal prosecution was that of William 
Rhoades and Noah Trogler, for larceny. At a preliminary 



mSTOEY OF GUTIIKIE COUNTY. 169 

examination before Justice N. Maynard, of Cass township, 
Khoades gave bail, but Trogler being unable to do so, was 
committed to jail in Polk county. 

(I have before me the receipt given to our sheriff, by the 
sheriff of Polk county, upon his becoming the custodian of 
our prisoner. It bears no date, and runs as follows, xerha- 
tim et literatim : 

"Received of the Sheriff of Guthrie county Iowa the 
boddy of Noah Trogler, upon an order of Nathan Maner 
Justice of the Peace, in and for Guthrie county Iowa to 
detain said Trogler in the jail of Polk county Iowa. 

Ft. Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. 

W. H. McHENRY, 

Sheriff Polk County, loioaP 

The above bears no date, but was given in January, 1854. 
This sheriff is at present a resident of Des Moines. 

At the trial of the above case, Trogler had no counsel, 
and the court appointed M. L. McPherson to defend him, 
which he did by quashing the indictment, which charged 
him of robbing the store of one Edward Serry; whereas, 
Edward Serry was only the clerk, the store belonging to 
one Baker. — The indictment was drawn up by an attorney 
from Council Bluffs, named Pierce. As soon as Trogler 
was liberated, McPherson took him aside and informed him 
he was " a poor devil" and advised him to "git," which 
sage advice he took without hesitation. He died shortly 
after, on the Des Moines river. 

Rhoades took a change of venue to Cass county. 

The county paid McPherson ten dollars for defending 
Trogler, which was the first attorney's fee ever paid. 

The above term was held in the school house. An amus- 
ing incident of this term of court, may interest some of our 
friends on Beaver. Three old settlers came to see what was 
going on. It rained very hard as they came into town, and 
they rode at a break-neck speedy Sheriff Cummins came 



170 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

to the door and called their names — wishing them to' serve 
as jnrors: — being unaccustomed to sncli matters, they sup- 
posed they were going to be punished "for running their 
horses;" one of them hid behind the school-house, while 
the others went in, trembling with affright. The judge could 
not articulate distinctly, owing to the effects of a pommel- 
ing he had received at the hands of some land owners, or 
squatters in Fremont county, where he dealt in real estate. 

As he could not make himself understood by words, he 
pointed to the prisoner, when one of the men, (now one of 
our prominent citizens,) who had been called up to be sworn 
as a juror, but supposed he was being examined as a wit- 
ness, called out, "I don't know him; I never saw him; I 
don't know a thing about it." 

The first "trial by jury," was had at this term, being a 
claim for damages, by M. H. Craig, plaintiff, GriflBn Jack- 
son, defendant. 

The claim was made in consequence of the shooting, by 
Jackson's son, of a mare belonging to plaintiff. The wit- 
nesses were examined, the attornrys argued the case pro 
and con in elaborate speeches; the judge charged the jury 
in as able a manner as his " sore jaw " would permit. The 
jury retired to deliberate and were much chagrined to find 
upon count, that there were only eleven of them, in conse- 
quence of tvhich, the jury was discharged by the court. 

Judge Bradford held another term of court in the fall of 
1854. 

He was very unpopular as a judge; was self-willed and 
overbearing. On account of the " land trouble " spoken 
of, he resigned his position and removed to Nebraska, 
where his pugilistic proclivities again got him into trouble, 
and he was shot by a member of the " club," whom he was 
supposed to have defrauded. 

The man was arrested in Nebraska, and taken to Fre- 
mont county, Iowa, for trial, but for some reason, a change 
of venue was taken to Guthrie county. The term came on 
and the prisoner filed his affidavit for change of venue, be- 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 171 

cause, as the petition stated, "the people of Guthrie county 
are too moral to try a case of this character and mag- 
nitude." 

In 1855 there were two terms of court held by Judge E. 
H. Sears, also of Fremont county, who was a gentleman of 
tine appearance and agreeable manners; presided with dig- 
nity, and was esteemed by all who knew him. 

The first records now in the county, are of the April 
term of 1855, those prior to that time, if any existed, were 
probably destroyed in 1855, when E. Serry, the clerk, blew 
out his candle and his eye with the same breath. 

In the spring of 1856, Judge J. C. McFarland — the noto- 
rious — held his first term of court in our county. The 
liquor question seems to have been a very important one, 
under his regime. 

His first charge to the grand jury was some thing like 
this: " Gentlemen; we have in Iowa, a prohibitory liquor 
law, and that law must be obeyed. Some talk of the un- 
constitutionality of this law; if it is unconstitutional, that's 
none of your business. If you know of any man in the 
county who sells without license, indict him and I'll fine 
him like the devil." 

At this time one Daggart kept a salo(»n in Panora and 
was indicted by the grand jury, for keeping a nuisance. 
When McFarland came, in September, to hold court, he, in 
company with the grand jury, were passing this saloon, 
when one of them jokingly asked: "Judge, can't you treat 
us?" "Yes; certainly;" and stepping to the door, he com- 
manded Mr. Daggart to " let this jury have all they want 
to drink and charge it to me." He and two or three jury- 
men went in and drank. 

Shaking his finger at the saloon-keeper, he " encourag- 
ingly" remarked: "Daggart, if you ever ask me to pay 
for this, I'll have you indicted, d — n you." Daggart, then 
under indictment, thought to make his fine lighter by toady- 
ing to the Court. 



172 HISTORY OF GUTIIKIE COUNTY. 

Imagine his surprise then, when, after hearing the case 
and the verdict of the jury, the judge said: " Mr. Clerk, 
you will enter a fine of $50 and costs."' Seeing a look of 
reproach upon Daggart's face, he pointed his finger at him, 
and with a face and voice full of scorn said: " You have 
violated the law and must abide the penalt}'. The Court 
understands herself, and if, — as I said before, — she does 
some times drink a little, that's none of your business." 
Previous to this, at the same term, he had fined a man ten 
dollars for drunkness, and in his charge to the jury, among 
other things, said: "Every man should be punished for 
this crime, (drunkness.) The Court herself some times gets 
a little tight, but j^ou nor the grand jury has any thing to 
do with that; that is not within your jurisdiction. You 
will therefore " (he had given his reasons for believing the 
man drunk) " render a verdict of guilty." 

A man by the name of Wood, who, by the way, was the 
first white child born in Keokuk, but was then living in Des 
Moines, used to come up to Panora with the Judge, pick 
up a case when he could, or in the absence of the District- 
Attorney, act in his stead. He went by the euphonious 
sobriquet of " Old Timber." The judge and he were good 
friends, but in his gruff way, especially when intoxicated, 
(and that was not infrequently) His Honor, handled him a 
little roughly. 

Upon one occasion a petition for judgment on a note of 
hand, came up for hearing and Timber demurred. In a 
very peremptory manner, the judge overruled the demurrer; 
said he: "Timber, sit down; I overrule the demurrer." 
Mr. Wood looked up in amazement, when he again shouted, 
" Timber, sit down, d — n you! or Til fine you for contempt." 
After adjournment Mr. Wood sought an explanation of the 
Court's treatment. "Why, confound you, if you'd demurred 
against the note and not against the petition, I'd knock the 
whole thing out of court for you." 

The judge's famous charge to the grand jury, at its 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 173 

session in April, 185S, lias been published several times, 
but will bear repeating. 

After appointing Thomas Roberts foreman, he called him 
'Squire. Just able to hold up his head, his tongue loth to 
perform its wonted task, he began; "Gentlemen of the 
Grand Jury: (hie) you will find the law of Iowa (hie) in the 
laws of — (hie) of — of Iowa. It is your duty, gentlemen, to 
see that the said law is not — (hie) not — vi'lated (nodding). 
You are made, (hie) gentlemen, a body to enquire into 
every (hie) breach of the — (hie) — the law, and to do this is 
your sworn — sworn — sworn duty. 'Squire, you will indict'" 
— seeing the jury and every body else ready to laugh, he 
finished as hurriedly as his " tired condition " would allow. 
in this lucid strain: 'Squire, you will — (hie) — you will 
indict every body in the (hie) world, except this court. Mr. 
Clerk, you will let the 'Squire have — (hie) — have all the 
books in the world. You will retire, gentlemen, to your — 
(hie) — Adjourn court, Mr. — (hie) — Mr. Sheriff, to — one — 
o'clock," and his head, unable to keep its "balance,' 
dropped upon his breast. 

The next thing in order was to put the Court to bed, until 
she " sobered off." 

This term of court was held in the Presbyterian church, 
which then stood east of the square. 

Judge McFarland's home was in Boonsboro. In politics 
he was strongly democratic. 

He was chosen a delegate to the Cincinnati convention, 
which nominated James Buchanan for President, in June, 
1856, and took an active part in the campaign following the 
nomination. In a speech at Newton, he held up his right 
hand saying, " There, gentlemen, is the hand that drew the 
Cincinnati Platform." If there was honor in that let him 
have it. 

In physique and appearance he was remarkably tine; he 
was a man of scholarly attainments, and possessed of a 
warm and generous heart, but the destroyer of so much 
that is good and noble in man, clouded his better nature, 



174 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

leaving prominent only his coarser self; but in the language 
of one of his friends: "Whatever may have been his 
faults, we will call them eccentricities, and kindly draw the 
veil of charity over them." 

The first resident attorney in the county was Isaac Par- 
rish, who was appointed District Attorney in 1855. About 
the same time came B. F. Dilly, a protege of Mr. Parrish. 
Next came Col. Nichols, W. L. Henderson, and Charles 
Haden. The latter gentleman will no doubt recollect his 
first ofSce in the famous first treasury building, over Good- 
speed's store. B. T. H., not having seen the "new lawyer" 
for several days, was anxious to know what had become of 
him; so he went into the store one day, and, being a little 
deaf himself, talked — as deaf people are apt to do — a little 
louder than was necessary for ordinary hearers. " Zinn," 
said he, "what's become of that long-legged lawyer?" 
"Oh! he's around somewhere." "I hear he knocks the 
socks off the boys." " The boys," being some of the other 
lawyers. The long-legged attorney was in the attic and 
heard the conversation, and some body had to treat, of 
course. 

COUNTY OFFICERS. 
TREASURERS. 

T. M. Boyles was elected in August, 1851; resigned Feb- 
ruary 9, 1852. 

M. Leinart appointed March 29, 1852; settled September 
9, 1852. 

Nathan Maynard, elected August, 1852; resigned June 6, 
1853. 

Wm. Jones, appointed September 22, 1853. 

John H, Miller, elected in August 1854, resigned October 
15, 1854. 

Lew Harvout, appointed October 15, 1854. 

Frank Revelle, elected in April, 1855, resigned June 4, 
1855. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 175 

Thos. Seely, appoined June 5, 1S55. 

T. Bryan, elected August, 1855; died November 13, 1856. 

W. L. Henderson appointed to fill the unexxnred term. 

J. T. Mount, elected August, 1857; took possession No- 
vember 4, 1857, and died November 19, 1857. 

W. L. Henderson,, appointed November 5, 1857; served 
to October, 1858. 

B. T. Hook, elected October, 1858; re-elected October, 
1859. 

T. E. Harbor, elected October, 1861; served three terms 
or 6 years. 

G. W. Harlan, elected October, 1867. 

Jos. Kenworthy, elected October, 1869. 

E. J. Reynolds, elected October, 1871, and is serving his 
third term. 

Previous to 1855 the salary of the treasurer was $50 per 
annum. In 1855-6 it $150. In 1857, $300. In 1862, $1,500. 

The first treasurer's office was his residence, and the first 
safe, his pants pocket. When the office attained the dig- 
nity of a separation from domestic scenes, it was kept in 
the attic or loft over Goodspeed's store. This was reached 
by means of a ladder, and was so low, that an ordinary 
sized man could not stand erect in it. 

There is a dispute as to what constituted the treasury 
vault. Some say it was the treasurer's hat, others say it 
was the old ballot box, while a third party assert that it 
was an old trunk; as far as the fire and burglar proof qual- 
ities are concerned, I think one would have been as good 
as the others. 

The building is the one now occupied by A. Fountain as 
a residence. 

In 1856 the treasurer's office was moved to the house of 
Mrs. Betsey Harris, then a hotel, and kei)t in a " general" 
sleeping room, to which they boys gave the cheerful name 
of "The Potter's Field." 

The Outhrie Sentinel, by J. E. Parrish, was published in 
this room. 



176 inSTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

Upon the resignation of T. M. Boyles, first treasurer, it 
was necessary to make a settlement; it was found that he 
had collected the total amount of $18.50, and his vouchers 
amounted to the same. During Boyles' administration, the 
first marriage license was issued by Judge Bryan, on the 
30th of March, 1852, to Michael Meg^inger and Lucinda 
Casteel. 

In those days the candidate for matrimonial happiness 
paid the treasurer one dollar, for which he got a receipt; 
upon presentation of this receipt, to the county judge, he 
received his license ;'that is, if his examination by the judge 
was satisfactory to that worthy. 

About the first business Mr. Leinart did as treasurer, was 
the issuing of an order for marriage license to Israel Yan- 
deventer and Rachael Moore. He was standing upon a 
log, chopping, when Mr. Y. came up and inquired: "Are 
you the treasurer?" "Yes, sir." "Well, come to the 
house, I've business with you." "All right, sir; what can I 
do for you?" " Well, the fact of it is, I want to get mar- 
ried, and I want an order on the judge." "All right again, 
if you've got your dollar." 

What do you think of that way of doing business. Cen- 
tennial young gentlemen? 

One young man wanted to get his license on credit; this the 
treasurer, at first, refused to grant, but finally, taking pity 
on the poor fellow, gave him the necessary receipt; true 
love in his case didn't " run smooth," and he was not mar- 
ried for several weeks. In the mean time he had earned 
the (to him) mighty dollar, by trapping and hunting. 

Upon the settlement of county oflicers, on September 9, 
1852, in view of the depressed state of the county finances, 
they all agreed to give to the county, the amount due them, 
for services to the same, except such sum as they might 
have in their pockets at the time. The treasurer had in his 
pocket the enormous sum of $5 which he had collected, and 
which was the amount of salary retained by him, for his 
six months service. 



HISTORY OF C4UTimiE COUNTY. 177 

SHERIFFS. 

Michael Messinger, elected in August, 1851. 

J. W. Cummins, elected in August, 1853. 

James Cline, elected August, 1855. 

Levi Brumbaugh, elected August, 1857; failed to serve 
his term out, and P. Roberts appointed, but resigned in a 
short time, and Wm. Holsman was appointed to fill va- 
cancy. 

Wm. Holsman was elected August, 1858. 

E. A. Porter was elected October, 1861. 

Wm. Holsman, elected October, 1863. 

J- W. Cummins, elected October, 1865. 

J. W. Cummins, elected October, 1867. 

T. Turner, elected October, 1869. 

M. McDonald, elected October, 1871. 

M. McDonald, elected October, 1873. 

James McMillan, elected October, 1875. 

COUNTY JUDGES. 

T. Bryan was elected August, 1851. 

T. Bryan was elected August, 1853; resigned in 1854. 

James Henderson appointed to fill vacancy. 

James Henderson, elected August, 1855. 

Aaron Hougham, elected August, 1857. 

T. E. Harbor, elected August, 1859. 

James Berry, elected October, 1861. 

Thomas Moffitt, elected October, 1863. 

Howard Brown, elected October, 1865. 

Wm. Elliot, elected October, 1867. 

In 1868 the office of Auditor was created by the Legisla- 
ture and that of County Judge annulled. 

Wm. Elliott, being County Judge, was ex-officio the 
County Auditor, but failing to serve his term out, Wm. 
Ivers was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

E. Mount was elected in 1869. 

Joshua Prior, was elected in 1871. 



178 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

H. K. Dewey, was elected in 1873. 
H. K. Dewey, was elected in 1875. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

Silas G. Weeks was elected August, 1851. 

Ed. Serry, was elected August, 1853. 

Ed. Serry, was elected August, 1855; resigned in the 
summer of '56, and Wm. Tracy appointed; served one 
montli. 

Wheelis was elected in 1857; committed suicide, and 

Theo. Parrisli appointed November, 1858. 

J. P. McEwen, elected October, 1860. 

Tlieo. Parrisb, elected October, 1862. 

Wm. Maxwell, elected October, 1864. 

Wm. Maxwell, elected October, 1866. 

C. W. Hill, elected October, 186S. 

C . W. Hill, elected October, 1870. 

C. W. Hill, elected October, 1872. 

C. W. Hill, elected October, 1874. 

Clerk Wheelis tried to cut his throat with a razor, but he 
didn't cut deep enough (perhaps the razor was dull), so he 
took strychnine and finished the work. 

In the winter of 1855 Edward Serry kept his office in a 
little log building, w^hich stood on the east side of the 
Square, on what is now a vacant lot belonging to Colonel 
Nichols, where he also kept a general store, including 
whisky, which, in winter, he sold by the pound, chopping 
it out with a hatchet (this latter commodity would scarcel}^ 
have accommodated the old settlers, who, before starting 
on a trip across the prairies, poured whisky in their boots, 
to keep their feet from freezing). 

Serry may have kept his powder dry, but he certainly 
did not keep it in a very safe place, or perhaps a better 
statement w^ould be, that he didn't sleep in a very safe 
place. He slept upon his counter, beneath which, stood a 
keg of powder. It was his habit to spend some time in 
reading, after he had retired to rest on his counter — bed* 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUZ^TY. 179 

One night after having been thus engaged, he blew out his 
candle, and a spark went into the keg of powder. Instan- 
taneously the roof parted and Serry was blown a distance 
of sixty feet. In an instant he jumped up, his clothes 
burned entirely off him, and one eye gone, and ran to the 
well for water to extinguish the flames, calling at tLe top of 
his voice, " Save the books, boys, save the books." He 
afterwards went to Sioux City where he died. .The build- 
ing has been repaired and moved to the south side of town 
where it is used as a residence. 

I believe there has nothing very [dreadful befallen any of 
the other Clerks. 

J. P. McEwen went to Ohio, several years ago, was mar- 
ried and has settled down on a nice farm, where he is 
happy and contented, and we can but hope that our loss is 
the Captain's gain. Brave in war; gentle, yet manly, in 
peace; in friendship, true, generous and warm-hearted; 
steadfast in principle, even to stubbornness; self-sacrificing, 
— refusing military and other preferment, that his friends 
might profit thereby — intelligent, social and refined; and 
noble in all things, he is truly a desirable citizen and neigh- 
bor, and we regret that he left us. 

RECORDERS. 

Previous to 1864 the Treasurer was also the Recorder. 
His duality was acknowledged by his having to give sep- 
arate bonds as such officers. In 1864 the office of Recorder 
was made separate and distinct from that of Treasurer, and 
Chas. Haden was elected first Recorder. 

Howard Brown, elected in 1866. 
Godfrey Jerue, elected in 1868. 
. Godfrey Jerue, elected in 1870. 
Benjamin Levan, elected in 1872. 
James H. Rogers, elected in 1874. 
James H. Rogers, nominated in 1876. 
The first deed on record is from J. C. Culbertson and 



180 HISTOKY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

wife to Benjamin Marlenee and the first mortgage to school 
Fund. 

SUPERVISORS. 

The Board of Supervisors was created by the Legisla- 
ture, March 22, 1860; took effect July 4, 1860. The first 
Board in Guthrie County was organized January 7, 1861, 
and was composed of the following named gentlemen : 

Thomas M. Coleman, from Beaver township. 
Nathan Davis, from Bear Grove township. 
Joseph Dyson, from Cass township. 
Thomas Seely, from Centre township. 
Isaac H. Sutton, from Dodge township. 
A. Littlejohn, Irom Highland township. 
Jesse B. Moore, from Jackson township. 
S. H. Hammond, from Orange township. 
Collin Marshall, from Penn township. 
D. B. Reese, from Thompson township. 

Theodore Parrish, Clerk of District Court, ex-officio Clerk 
of the Board of Supervisors.' 

As will be seen, we had one Supervisor from each town- 
ship; in 1870 the system was somewhat modified, by reduc- 
ing the number to three, from the county at large. 

Members of the present Board are, T. M. Coleman, Wm. 
Anderson and W. S. Mount. These gentlemen are all 
prominent and much respected citizens. 

Mr. Coleman, besides being prominent in the affairs of 
the county, is well known as a man of more than ordinary 
literary ability. His writings reveal a mind uncontam- 
inated by contact with the world, and we know he has at 
heart the best interests of the people. 

Mr. Anderson is a prominent citizen of Thompson town- 
ship, a well-to-do farmer, and his highest aim is not the 
accumulation of broad acres, but the cultivation and devel- 
opment of a good farm and the making of a liome, in the 
true sense of the word. 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 181 

Mr. Mount, we claim as one of Guthrie's children, as he 
has been brought up here. He enlisted at the age of nine- 
teen and served four years in the late war. 

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE. 

In 1875 Col. S. D. Nichols was elected State Senator, 
and is the first and only Senator Guthrie county has had. 

In 1854 Judge T. Bryan was elected to represent this dis- 
trict in the Senate, but his election was contested by Mr. 
Jordan, of Polk county. The Legislature was in favor of 
Bryan's taking the seat, but as there was some chicanery in 
counting the votes, he refused to accept it. 

Our first Representative was Dr. E. B. Fenn, who rep- 
resented us in 1864. 

Wm. H. Campbell, represented us in 1870. 

Wm. Maxwell, in 1872. 

H. F. Cardell, in 1874. 

G. J. Maris, in 1876. 

The above dates are the years in which the Legislature 
held its sessions; each Representative was elected the year 
previous to that in which the session was held. 

The most remarkable thing I recall in the Representative 
career of these worthies, is in the case of Dr. Fenn. A 
young and handsome lady of Des Moines was sent to the 
Capitol to deliver to a gentleman a verbal invitation to a 
little social gathering. She delivered the message to our 
Representative, when upon some remark by him, she dis- 
covered he was not the gentleman she sought. She made a 
saucy apology by saying she had been instructed to invite 
the homliest man in the House. 

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 

From Tattle's History, I condense the following, in rela- 
tion to the Constitutional Convention, as being of especial 
interest to Guthrie county, as one of the prominent workers 
in that body was Capt. Thomas Seely, who represented 
Guthrie, Dallas and Polk counties. 
12 



182 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

"The Fifth General Assembly of the State of Iowa, met at 
Iowa City, and commenced its regular session on the 4th 
day of December, 1854. At this session an act was passed 
for the revision of the constitution of the State, and pro- 
vided for an election on the first Monday in August, 185G, 
for taking a vote of the people for, or against, the constitu- 
tion. The result of the election was a majority of 18,628 
in favor of holding the convention and carrying out the 
law. 

An election for delegates was held in November. 1856, 
and the Convention met at Iowa City on the 19th of Jan- 
uary, 1857. The clause in the old constitution, limiting 
State indebtedness, and also the one prohibiting banking, 
were stricken out by the Convention. A State Board of 
Education was created, the office of Lieutenant-Governor, 
and a grant of privileges of banking to corporations. 

On the 3d day of August, 1857, the constitution was sub- 
mitted to the voice of the people, at an election held on 
that day, and the result was a majority of 1,630 for the 
constitution, and the same took effect by proclamation of 
the Governor, on the third day of September, 1857." 

CONGRESSMEN. 

From the District in which Guthrie is situated: 

From 1851-1853, Bernhart Henn, of Fairfield. 

From 1853-1855, Bernhart Henn, of Fairfield. 

From 1855-1857, Augustus Hall, of Keosaqua. 

From 1857-1859, Samuel R. Curtis, of Keokuk. 

From 1859-1861, SamuelR. Curtis, of Keokuk; resigned 
and went to the army and James F. Wilson elected to fill 
vacancy. 

From 1863-1865, Jno. A. Kasson, of Des Moines. 

From 1865-1867, Jno. A. Kasson, of Des Moines. 

From 1867-1869, G. M. Dodge, of Council Bluffs. 

From 1869-1871, F. W. Palmer, of Des Moines. 

From 1871-1873, F. W. Palmer, of Des Moines. 

From 1873-1875, Jno. A. Kasson, of Des Moines. 



HISTOHY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 183 

THE FIRST REPUBLICAN CONVENTION, 

In Guthrie county, was held March 15, 1856, of which 
Richard Gilbert was chairman, and Charles Campbell, sec- 
retary The County Committee appointed was: Jackson 
township, J. W. Cummins; Bear Grove, Thomas Seely; 
Dodge, Thos. Moffitt; Cass, S. E. Zinn and A. Trout. B. 
T. Hook was nominated for School Fund Commissioner, 
and was elected at the spring election. At that time there 
were two elections a year. 

COUNTY SEAT AND COURT HOUSE. 

At the June session, 1853, of the County Court, it was 
ordered that a court house be built, and the funds arising 
from the sale of lots be appropriated to pay the expenses 
of the same. The contract was let, but the project was not 
carried out. 

The first Monday in April, 1859, a vote was taken to re- 
move the county seat from Panora to Guthrie Centre, (the 
argument of the latter place being its central location) 
which resulted in a majority of 18 for Panora. The same 
year the court house was built at a cost of $2,400. 

At the April election in 1860, another vote was taken to 
remove the county seat to Guthrie Centre, and the result was. 
a majority of 20 in favor of the latter place. Here it remained 
two years, when, in April, 1862, it was voted back to Pa- 
nora by a majority of 57. 

In 1870 a vote was taken for its re-removal to Guthrie Cen- 
tre, which failed of its object. This, however, was accom- 
plished in 1873, and Guthrie Centre is still the seat of jus- 
tice. The jail was built in 1868, at a cost of $4,400; it is 
30x20, two stories high; first story of stone, three cells and 
a hall; the upper story of brick, is fitted up for a residence 
for the jailor. 

The importance of the result of the elections in the county 
seat fight was so great as to cause considerable excitement 
and some feeling among the adherents of the rival towns. 



164 HISTORY OF CrTIIRIE COUNTY. 

They had some sport too. At the election of 1860 both 
parties had prepared bonfires, hired anvils and anticipated 
a jollification. Centre "jubilated " in earnest, and Panora 
to make herself believe she was not disappointed. 

As soon as the result of the election was announced by 
the Board, the Centerites, anxious to take possession of 
their long-sought but newly found treasure, came over in 
full force, with a carriage in which to convey the Judge,. 
(Harbor) a "ten ox team " and wagon for the safe, and a 
procession, a dozen "wagons strong," to give dignity to the 
occasion. Returning, they met a reinforcement of five yoke 
of oxen, which were attached to the wagon containing the 
safe, making a team of twenty oxen. They marched tri- 
umphantly into Centre and deposited the safe in a building 
prepared for its reception by E. B. Newton. Buildings for 
the different county offices were furnished by the citizens, 
free of charge. 

A great many laughable incidents are connected with these 
contests, one or two of which I may be permitted to relate. 
An old gentleman was sent over to Centre to see that the 
ballot box was not stufted nor tampered with. The "boys" 
enticed him, with the one thing dear to his stomach, and 
too frequent indulgence in the same, prevented his return- 
ing in time to deposit his own vote. The next morning he 
was taken to task "for not getting in in time to vote.'' 
" What was you doing ? AVhy didn't 3^ou come back ?" 

The old man had one stiff finger, which did duty in clean- 
ing out his old pipe, which operation he was performing 
when the question was put. Ramming his finger down into 
the pipe, and boring vigorously, he replied : " Gad, I was 
watching the movements of the boys." 

The crowd thought the joke so good, they forgave him 
the loss of his vote. 

When the county seat was returned to Panora in 18C2, 
the waters were so high, a raft had to be built, upon which 
to float the safe across the river. It was now Centre's time 
to " feel bad;" and it appears their man didn't succeed any 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 185 

Ibetter in " keeping watch of the movements of the boys" 
than did the Panora man. 

Mr. S n will remember his midnight ride — almost 

equal to Paul Revere's — when he and his friend rushed fran- 
tically over to Casey, to get some tickets printed. Return- 
ing at midniglit, cloudy, and as dark as Egypt, they were 
lost on the prairie, and stumbling accidentally upon a sign 
post, they sought information from it, but alas, it was too 
dark to see the board. They lighted matches, but the wind 
blew them out. What could they do? "Lost; 'lection 
coming off to-morrow, no tickets for distribution, oh my!" 
They were desperate. A happy thought struck Mr. S. "I 
have it; I'll climb the post, and one single Hash of a match 
will show me where we are. Elated almost beyond control 
he started up with the agility of a squirrel, but when he was 
about half way up, he came down with the tliumx) of a bear; 
he had over-estimated the strength of the post, or else un- 
derestimated his own weight, but no difference, the result 
was the same. As he lay there upon his back, wondering 
whether it were best to get up or lie still, his — his — well, his 
tlioughts " were not loud but deep." 

Happily they returned before it was time to open the 
polls, and now Mr. S. believes inforeordination. This ride 
was taken in the interest of the last contest. 

In Feb., 1876, by a vote of the people, it was decided to 
devote two-thirds of the Swamp Land Fund to the building 
of a court house. This is now under contract, will be built 
of brick, and will cost, when finished, 822,000. 

The Assembly of 1855 attached Carroll County to our 
county for civil purposes, and called it Carroll township. 
Its first election was held the 2nd of April, at the residence 
of Henry Copeland. In August the township was author- 
ized by Judge Henderson to elect its own county officers, 
and Guthrie's jurisdiction over her ceased. 

In July, 1855, under act of the Legislature, Guthrie county 
commenced the sale of spirituous liquors, and John Bob- 
lett was appointed first agent, giving a bond of $1,000. The 



186 HISTORY OF GITTimiE COUNTY. 

county furnished $60, to which the agent added 820 more,, 
and purchased one barrel of whisky, one keg of brandy 
and one keg of wine. During his agency of six months, 
the profits on the sale of liquors were $30, and his commis- 
sion amounted to the same. This was not profitable to the 
county, so J. J. Owen was appointed. Mr. Owen first es- 
tablibhed himself in an old smoke house, on the Alex. 
Wasson place, but afterward moved up to town. It 
seems this agent was not very scrupulous in his sales, nor 
in the quantity of water he mixed with his whisky. 

A man from up country, whom the old settlers v>'ill re- 
member, bought two gallons of whisky for mechanical pur- 
poses. After his jug was filled and the whisky paid for, 
the agent remarked, "Mr. V., I was not aware that you 
were a mechanic?" '•' 0, yes," said the honest mechanic,. 
*'I am shaving shingles." 

Seeing the great mistake in establishing this agency the 
Legislature, in 1856, abolished the same. 

A man by the name of Snow kept a " shop," — a private 
institution — and, selling contrary to law, his goods were- 
confiscated, and a receiver by the name of Smith appointed. 
When the whisky was called for by the county authorities 
they found Smith had received it so effectually there was. 
none left for revenue purposes. 

In the early days, it was not considered out of place to 
drink a little just for the stomach's sake, but some how it 
very often went to their heads, some times producing bad 
thoughts. The Rhoades and Trogler affair came about as 
the incidental result of one of the early marriages, and the 
accidental result of being able to buy whisky by the buck- 
etful. 

The foolish and disgusting charivari was then in vogue, 
and to quiet (?) the rioters, the bride-groom went to the 
"grocery " and bought a pail full of whisky, gave them a 
tin cup, and told them to help themselves. While the rest 
of the " boys " were thus engaged, the robbers broke into 
Serry's store, and robbed it of $170. 



HISTOHY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 187 

PATENTS. 

As the inventive genius of our people must not go unno- 
ticed, I will give a few of the results of tlie exercise of this 
faculty. 

In 1868 Hill and Roberts invented the 14-mile gun, for 
which they secured patents in the United States and 
France. 

" The principle of this invention is, that a series of pro- 
jectiles are meshed one with another, like a nest of boxes, 
each attached to the other by a fuse connected with a charge 
of powder. At a given distance from the gun the first 
charge explodes, giving new impetus to the projectile, then 
the second and third, and so on to the last, the last projec- 
tile receiving the force of the charge, until it has over- 
reached the distance in which that of common balls are usu- 
ally spent." 

In 1872 Wells McCool invented a riding attachment for 
plows and harrows; in the same year he made an improve- 
ment on this invention, and also invented a spring bed bot- 
tom, for each of which he received patents. 

In 1873 he invented a walking gang plow, which is a doub- 
le stirring plow, that will, with one man and three horses 
do the work of two men and four horses, thus lightening la- 
bor and saving expense. 

Previous to the spring of 1854 all the breaking was done 
by large and clumsy plows with wooden mold boards; 
finally these were improved upon by using steel mold- 
boards, but with either, it was necessary to use five or six 
yoke of oxen. In the spring of '54 Mr. E. B. Newton in- 
augurated a reform in breaking prairie, by using a new 
light stirring plow drawn by two horses. 

Until he demonstrated, beyond a doubt that it could be 
done, his neighbors ridiculed the experiment as likely to be 
a failure. 

Now we have become so used to improvements, that we 
are " not surprised at any thing." 



ISS HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

In 1800 Mrs. Micluiel Rosebrugli invented and had pat- 
ented, a bleaching box, said by milliners to be a labor-sav- 
ing and usefnl invention. 

In 187C Marshall Willy invented and had patented a 
flexible and adjnstable farm gate. This is adjustable, so 
as to open or slide over snow-drifts, and to separate small 
stock from large. 

John Cline invented and patened a bag-filler, for the fill- 
ing of paper sacks, with groceries, flour, etc., and also for 
filling grain sacks. The invention consists in a bag-filler 
which will accomodate itself automatically to diflferent 
sized sacks, in combination with a pivoted, vertical arm. 
A stand is attached to the counter, having at its upper end 
a socket to receive the lower portion of the vertical rod; 
the upper portion of this vertical rod is removable from 
the stand; a horizontal arm having at one end prongs, to 
which one section of the funnel is rigidly secured, and the 
other end is pivoted in the mortise in the upright rod. 
There is a flexible section of the funnel, which is pivoted to 
the upper end of the fixed section by rivets, which allows it 
to swing outward and upward, thereby accomodating itself 
to sacks of different sizes. The sack is suspended on a 
hook attached to the rear end of the fixed section. 

WOMEN OP GUTHRIE. 

When a county, town or city improves rapidly, it is said 
to have an enterprising, energetic, "go-ahead" class of 
men at the head of its affairs. This is true, but it is only 
half the truth. Unless woman stands shoulder to shoul- 
der with man, uniting her influence and efforts with his, 
the whole business as well as social world must be at a 
stand still, to say nothing worse. 

While I appreciate and admire all that is noble and 
manly in man; acknowledge the superiority of his physical 
strength; respect his energy and perseverance in business; 
in short, confess this would be a " queer world " without 
him, and lonesome, too; yet I do think there is too much 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 189 

exacted of women and too little credit given them for the 
good they accomplish. 

Show me a farmer who has surrounded himself with broad 
acres, and I will show you a woman whose industry, tact, 
and economy have played an important part in winning 
these same broad acres. Show me a successful man in any 
business and nine times out of ten I will show you a woman 
whose judgment and economy have accomplished even more 
than his own exertions. 

I do not mean by, this, that all men who fail of success 
have extravagant or ignorant wives: oh, no, in(Jeed. Many 
a poor, illy clad, worked-to-death, heart-weary wife, treads 
the domestic tread-mill unceasingly, economizes with patch 
upon patch, and yet her liege lord does not succeed. 

But where in society, in business, in religion, in politics 
even, men succeed, nine times out of ten ; could you get at 
the root of the matter, the first cause as it were, you would 
find woman a greater help than most men are willing to ac- 
knowledge. 

Now, my good friends, I am not throwing stones at any 
of you, I am simply preparing the way for a little just 
praise of the many good women of Guthrie county. If we 
have any bad ones, we will kindly draw the veil of silence 
round them, and prove to you by illustration, that the de- 
velopment of our beautiful adopted home, Guthrie, is as 
much due to our women as to our men. 

I ask you to look back upon the revolution in our Con- 
gregational church society in Stuart, upon the advent of 
Reverend Mr. Todd. How did he inaugurate a reform ? 
Mr. Todd, though a gentleman, a thoroughly good man, 
and an excellent minister, has a looman to help him; a wife 
whose just appreciation of woman's work, gives her cour- 
age to be true to her trust. She has had admirable aids in 
the persons of many of her neighbors, whose willing hands 
and kind wishes, have seconded her eff'orts to bring harmo- 
ny and sociality, not only in their own society, but to the 
people generally. 



190 HISTORY OF GUTimiE COUNTY. 

What little band of men, without means, save willing 
hands and hearts, would have undertaken, as did Mrs. Dixon 
and a few other ladies, to build a church ? Yes, actually, 
a church and free reading room, which has been accom- 
plished in less than a year. How did they pay for it ? 
With the proceeds of concerts, festivals, mite societies, etc., 
and to the perseverance, energy and courage of a few wo- 
men, we are indebted for a free reading room. 

We have a woman at the head of the Methodist Sabbath 
School, and no man would be a better Superintendent than 
Mrs. Dr. Beach, or more assiduous in his efforts to educate 
and elevate the little ones up to a high standard of mor- 
ality. 

It has been demonstrated that women, as educators, are 
equal, if not superior to men. Prominent among them is 
Mrs. J. B. Hatch, who was for several years, previous to 
her 'removal to Guthrie county, Principal of the public 
schools of Burlington. She has been a resident of the 
county several years, during which time she taught school 
in Casey; conducted Teacher's Institutes, and normal 
schools. She is also a fine elocutionist, giving readings at 
different places in the county and State. In whatever field of 
labor she has been engaged she has distinguished herself, 
as she excels in all her undertakings. I regret to state the 
fact that Mrs. Hatch has concluded to leave us, and take up 
her residence in Des Moines. 

Most prominent among the women who have labored for 
the recognition of the importance of woman's work is Mrs. 
Emma W. Harlan. Mrs. Harlan was married at the age 
of sixteen; came to the county when it was wild and new; 
is the mother of a large family of children, (eight or nine) 
and yet she has found time for reflection, and action upon 
all the important topics of the times. During the war she 
had the courage to make patriotic speeches — a thing but 
few women had the courage to do. She was agent for our coun- 
ty for the Soldier's Orphan's Home. She has, upon several 
occasions, read the Declaration of Independence for Fourth 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 191 

of July Celebrations, and has found time to prepare and 
deliver several temperance lectures. Besides all this, she 
has been a frequent contributor to the newspapers. What 
man would or could have accomplished more ? A man 
may accomplish more in one line of business, or one kind 
of work, than a woman, but I defy men to look after and 
keep track of as many different things as women do. 

Mrs. Saranda Leinart Young, of Panora, has distin- 
guished herself by her superior penmanship, pen flourish- 
ing, pen drawing, etc. She has been a successful teacher of 
both schools and penmanship; graduated at the Commer- 
cial College, Des Moines. At her home may be seen speci- 
mens of her work, which excite the admiration and wonder 
of the beholder. 

"VYe have in Stuart a genuine poetess, whose lyric num- 
bers wake many a responsive echo in sympathetic hearts. 
Though an invalid for many years, scarce able to leave her 
bed, she possesses the pure and childlike faith that enables 
her to see good in all things. Confined to her home, her 
mission is accomplished by reaching the hearts of others 
through the pen. This lady is Sarah E. Elliott. 

In the very humblest walks of life we find heroism in wo- 
men, seldom exhibited, under like circumstances, by men. 
As an instance, we have among us a woman educated in 
German, French and Latin, who takes in washing to sup- 
port eight or nine children, that being the only work for 
which she can receive sufficient remuneration to enable her 
to keep her family together. I refer to Mrs. Oakes. 

Miss Ida Crockett, one of the teachers in our public 
schools at Stuart, a beautiful (in the true sense of the word) 
young lady, who was educated at Englewood, has already 
distinguished herself as an elocutionist. If one so young 
and retiring can hold an audience spell-bound now, the 
world will yet hear of her. 

Our lady teachers are doing a good work for the rising 
generation. There are so many in the county, we cannot 
particularize, but their work is so well understood, and their 



192 HISTORY OF GUTimiE COUNTY. 

efforts SO generally appreciated that, as a class, they may 
congratulate themselves as taking the lead in woman's 
work. 

"VYe have many, very many good women and true, who 
though but little known outside of their own families, are 
nevertheless, by their quiet home influence, doing much for 
the refining of society, the education of the rising genera- 
tion, and consequently, for the development and improve- 
ment of our county. Most of our i)ioneer women are 
found in this latter class, and their children are among our 
most promising young men and women. Among those 
whose sensitive, unobtrusive and retiring natures, would 
forbid the use of their names in print, I take the liberty to 
mention Mrs. Capt. Seeley. Coming from a home of lux- 
ury and refinement, to the " western wilds," with its disad- 
vantages, she has, nevertheless, done a noble work in rear- 
ing a family of noble, manly boys, and beautiful and 
intelligent girls. 

A great many men (that means most of them) think and 
feel, that they are born to command and to plan, and 
women, to obey and to execute. Perhaps they are, but 
had I time and s^oace, I think I could disprove this. How- 
ever, I will not quarrel with you, my big brothers, but 
simply ask you to give to my sisters, the credit due them, 
for the work they have done and are doing for Guthrie. 

CENSUS RETURNS. 

The census of 1875 was the thirteenth taken by State 
authority, and the twenty-first enumeration of the inhabi- 
tants, of what is now the State of Iowa, by whatever 
authority made. 

In 1836, under the provisions of the act of Congress, or- 
ganizing the Territory of Wisconsin, Gov. Henry C. Dodge 
caused a census of the new Territory to be taken. The 
population was then 10,531, found in the counties of " De- 
moine " and Dubuque, creations of the Territorial legisla- 
ture of Michigan, and comprising all the organized terri- 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 193 

tory north of the northern line of the State of Missouri, 
from the Mississippi to the Pacific. 

In 1838 the organic act for Iowa Territory, provided for an 
enumeration thereof. This was taken under the direction 
of the Governor of the Territory, Hon. Robert Lucas. 

The number of inhabitants was 22,859, more than double 
the previous census. 

Since this time, the increase has been rather spasmodic, 
owing to circumstances which always influence immigra- 
tion. 

The average annual increase, during the Territorial de- 
cade, was 8,706, or, 82.67 per cent. 

First decade of the State, 42,147, or, 43.19 per cent. 

From 1856 to 1865, 26,183, or, 5.04 per pent. 

During the next decade, 59,584, or 7.89 per cent. 

The present population of the State is 1,350,544. 

The population of Guthrie county at the first enumera- 
tion : 

In 1851 tvas 223 

In 1853 was 300 

In 1854 was 723 

In 1856 was 2,149 

In 1859 was 2,754 

In 1860 WHS 3,058 

In 1863 was 3,205 

In 1865 was 3,249 

In 1867 was 3,906 

In 1869 was 5,219 

In 1870 was 7,061 

In 1873 was 8,017 

In 1875 was 9,638 

The number of votes cast at the first election in the county,, 
which was held in 1851, was 39. At the second election: 

In 1852 was 49 

In 1853 was 73 

In 1856 was 261 • 

In 1866 was 799 

In 1875 was 2,239 



194 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 



Michael Messenger, sheriff of the county, and ex-officio 
assessor thereof, on the 29th day of May, 1852, made report 
in relation to taxable property, as follows: 

1360 acres of land entered, valued at $ 3,200.00 

48 liorses, valued at 1,795.00 

284 cattle, valued at 3,214.00 

108 sheep, valued at 134.00 

406 swine, valued at 345.00 

41 vehicles, valued at 1,293.00 

Money and credits 2,363.00 

Household furniture 156.00 

Property not enumerated 447.00 

Total ^12,947.00 

July 26th, 1852, the first levy of tax was made by the 
county, as follows: For county purposes, (ordinary, in- 
cluding support of poor,) six mills, making a county fund 
of $776.00; for schools, one mill, or the sum of $129,47. 

The census report for 1875, gives us the following statis- 
tics, showing Guthrie's prosperity and growth: 















■a 
























































a 




00 










p 












































•a 














NAMES OF TOWNSHIPS, 
TOWNS AND CITIES. 


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97 
110 
222 
192 

34 

45 

61 
H9 

47 
J04 
293 

81 
137 

47 
101 
106 

1827 


97 
110 
222 
193 

34 

45 

61 
151 

47 
104 
293 

81 
137 

47 
101 
106 

1820 


281 
278 
624 
418 
112 
118 
158 
425 
147 
264 
839 
260 
399 
154 
301 
307 

.50^5 


243 
261 
567 
390 
91 
104 
1.59 
394 
131 
262 
690 
213 
&56 
132 
277 
280 

4.>5n 


524 
539 
1191 

808 
203 
222 
317 
819 
278 
526 
1531 
473 
755 
286 
578 
587 

9637 


110 

112 

276 

177 

62 

57 

78 

213 

78 

116 

294 

123 

179 

6} 

168 

160 

2266 


30 
35 
106 
66 
12 
17 
24 
77 
23 

as 

126 
48 
54 

as 

61 
52 

792 


13 
4 
39 
41 
5 
11 
17 
32 
12 
17 
72 
16 
22 
12 
23 
26 

362 


3 

1 

17 

21 

2 

5 

3 

9 

5 

12 

20 

5 

3 

3 

7 

12 

128 


113 
131 
272 
199 
44 
51 
71 
181 
60 
115 
406 
124 
162 
65 
120 
125 

2239 


'"'5 
.... 



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I 

1 
25 


68 
95 
180 
152 
31 
44 
54 
143 

as 

96 
359 
104 
112 
57 
94 
89 

1716 


5^4 




539 




1191 




808 


Dodge 


?04 




9.22 


Highland 


317 


Jackson 


8I"t 


Orange 


''78 




5V6 




1531 


Richland 


473 


Thompson 


755 


Union 


?86 


Valley 


578 


Victory 


587 


Total 


963S 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE C0U5TTY. 



195 







,2 


to 


APPLES. 


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Grapes in 
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Grapes not 
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— 




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NAMES OF T0WXSHir3. 
TOWNS AND CITIES. 


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921 
2.38 

70.3 
22.5 
175 
873 
3518 
103 


6 

8.3 

187 

1.32 

21 

11 

21 

1 

13 


940 
13.5S5 
3.50 
460 
462 
1000 
4494 
1535 


845 


193 


50 


4 


98 


1 




100 


4.57 

2922 

379 

1.37 

32 

129 

1145 
.305 

12:}0 
950 
597 
959 
181 

1463 
800 


1291 


Beaver 


12191 


Cass, esc. of Panora 

Centre 


3911 

408 

34 

'iie 

1958 

4.55 

1027 

717 

32 

50 

115 

1092 

1569 

3633 


1044 
74 
14 


119 
50 


14 
"2 


236 
94 

1 
21 
10 
97 
32 
75 
44 
63 
77 

7 
78 
95 

1028 


22 
5 


2 


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100 


Dodge 




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1 
3 
4 
4 
6 
5 


■"2 


■.366 
200 


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Jackson 


661 
130 

202 

asi 

10 

25 

101 

368 

430 

36.33 


11 

"2.5 

13 

1 

55 

'i6.s 

1 

442 


] 

'"4 
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70 


410 


Orange 


2250 


Panora, town of 


1330 


Penn 


781 
151 
398 
479 
9.59 
2060 


29 
86 
24 
11 
51 
57 

717 


898 
7277 
1372 

180 
.3695 
41l0 


KJO 


Richland 


711) 


Thompson 


20 




848 


Valley 


4 






1094 








.S5 


4 


6600 






Total 


14180 


41116 


12186 


26930 



196 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 



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HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 197 

Coal mines ; No. of banks open in 1874 was 8 ; bands 
emploj^ed, 25; tons mined, 1183; value of same, 84,155 ; 
Xo. acres land assessed in the county, is 378,219; reported 
value per acre, $5.27 ; reported value of lands, $1,993,800, 
equalized value ; reported value of town lots, $162,142 ; in- 
crease 20 per cent ; reported total value of railroad prop- 
erty, $2,896,941 ; State tax at two mills, $6,656.28 ; equal- 
ized value of lands and town lots, $2,517,234 ; value of 
personalty in 1865, $204,711 ; in 1875, $513,992 ; reported 
total value in 1865, $1,745,496 ; in 1875,62,896,941. 

Total No. of horses of all ages 5587 

No: sold for export in 1874 128 

No. mules and asses 224 

No. sold for export 9 

Total No. milch cows 4984 

No. pounds butter made in 1874 279369 

No. pounds cheese made in 1874 475 

No gallons milk sold ... 7525 

No. work oxen 25 

No. all other cattle 11875 

No. cattle slaughtered or sold for slaughter in 1874. . 2726 

No. thoroughbred short.horns 22 

No. hogs 25740 

No. sold for slaughter 24748 

Total No. sheep in the Co. in 1874 4327 

No. pounds wool obtained in 1874 18310 

No. sheep slaughtered or sold for slaughter 646 

No. sheep killed by dogs 199 

No. dogs in the Co. in '74 1693 

Total No. stands of bees 240 

Pounds of honey and beeswax 1815 

Value of products of farm $792461 

Value of market garden produce 2673 

Value of products of the orchard 4265 

Value of small fruits 881 

Value of products of the herd 421466 

13 



198 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

Value of products of the dairy 47487 

Value of products of the forest 15197 

The Census Report of 1876 has not yet been published, 
but from assessors' returns we have the following : Total 
valuation of taxable property in Guthrie county for 1875, 
is, $2896,941 ; total valuation of taxable property in Guth- 
rie Co., for 1876, $3,361,245. 

No. Val. 

Cattle assessed in 1876 13795 $149311 

Horses 5578 189656 

Mules 266 10683 

Sheep 2500 2497 

Swine 12931 39203 

Total valuation of live stock $391332 



200 



HISTORY or GUTHRIE COUNTY 



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HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 



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HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 



209 



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■^10 HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

MILITARY.— CONTINUED. 

Besides the list of soldiers copied from the Adjutant-Gen- 
•eral's report, I have from private sources the following. 

J. A. Thompson, at the age of seventeen, enlisted in the 
12th Ohio Cavalry, as private; was promoted to captain; 
was wounded at Saltsville, Ya., and Saulsburg, N. C. 

J. C. Harwood, aged 38, a native of Virginia, enlisted 
in the 14th Iowa Infantry, from Jones county, Aug. 9, 1865. 
Was in seventeen battles and skirmishes; taken prisoner 
-at Shiloh; paroled at the expiration of fifty-three days. 
Mr. Hartvood is a farmer, living in Seeley township. 

S. H. Willey, a native of Dela\vare, enlisted in the 9th 
Indiana Infantry, October 6, 1864. Served in 4th corps, 
1st Division, 3rd Brigade; discharged June 13, 1865. Par- 
ticipated in the engagements at Spring Hill, Franklin, and 
Nashville. Is now a resident of Jackson township. 

H. E. Church enlisted at Dixon, 111., as private in Co. C. 
7th 111. Cavalry. Served under Gen. Thomas in Mississippi, 
Tennessee, and Alabama. Traveled much, saw much, suf- 
fered much, and as a true soldier, enjoyed much. Was 
discharged at Huntsville, Alabama, October 19, 1865. 

Capt. Wni. W. Hyzer, enlisted at Grand Rapids, Michi- 
gan, in the Third Michigan Light Artillery, which he com- 
manded for two and a half years. Was in active service 
three years and nine months; was in most of the engage- 
ments of Western Department, the more noted of which 
-are: Cornith, luka, Resacca, Kennasaw, Atlanta, South 
Edisto, Sheraw, Bentonsville and others. Went with 
Sherman in his famous "March to the Sea," opened the 
first gun on Savannah, dismounting two of the enemy^s guns 
and silencing eight more. Capt. Hyzer is now engaged in 
the drug business in Casey. 

Cap. W. R. Douglas, enlisted at Lindenwood, Ogle Co., 
Illinois, August 13, 1862, in Co. G. 74th 111. Infantry. En- 
tered as private; was commissioned 1st Lieutenant in the 
12th W. S. C. Inf., August 13, 1863. June 15, 1865, was 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 211 

commissioned Captain Co. E. same regiment. Served in 
the armies of the Cumberland and Tennessee, under Gen- 
erals Buel, Rosecrans and Thomas. Was in the battles of 
Perry ville, Stone River and Nashville. Was in special 
mounted service about one year, fighting guerrillas, chief of 
whom, was Major McNarie. AYas one of the body which 
captured Hood's entire army, which capture was the climax 
of the Nashville campaign. Was mustered out January 
26, 1866. 

Captain Douglas is now a resident of Bear Grove town- 
ship. 

Romeo G. Hoge enlisted "when a small boy" at Col- 
umbus, Ohio, in the Signal Corps, U. S. A., March 7, 1864. 
This corps was sent to camp of instruction at Georgetown, 
D. C, where it remained two months, when it was assigned 
to the army of the Tennessee, which it joined three days 
after ihe fight at Resacca, Georgia. After the capture of 
Atlanta, and just before Sherman started " to the sea," it 
was assigned to the army of the Cumberland, with which it 
remained until after the fight at Nashville. AVent on the 
" raid" to Texas, where they remained the greater part of 
^65 and a part '67. Were discharged by special order, at 
San Antonia, Texas, April 20, 1866. Mr. Hoge is now en- 
gaged in the drug business at Guthrie. 

Herman Miller, of Richland township, served in the 3rd 
Ohio Cavalry, as did also Wm. Maxwell. 

I presume there are others in the county who served in 
the army, but I have not been able to obtain their names. 

Had I time and space, I would be glad to give a brief 
history of the service of our gallant soldiers; reminiscences, 
incidents, etc. Let it suffice to say, that the memory of the 
patriots who sacrificed their own interests, and risked their 
own lives to save our glorious country, will be perpetu- 
ated, not only in history, but in the hearts of many loving, 
loyal ones. 

While much credit is due to our officers for gallant 



212 HISTOEY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

services, just as much is due to our private soldiers. Each 
acquitted himself creditably, according to his ability and 
opportunity. 

Guthrie county responded nobly to the call for volunteers, 
sending more than her quota; yet, through some mistake, 
she was included in the draft of '64. 

At the November session of the Board of Supervisors, in 
1862, a preamble and resolution was offered, the substance 
of which is as follows: Gov. Kirkwood, in his report of 
the several quotas of men furnished by the several 
counties for the war, credited Guthrie county 
with only one hundred and twenty-eight men, leaving a 
deficit of ninety- six men; and the enrollment list for Guth- 
rie county, as returned by Mr. Hanyan, U. S. Drafting 
Commissioner for said county, and also the report issued 
by the Attorney-General, that said county had sent iuto the 
service one hundred and three men, and since the call for 
600,000 additional volunteers, Guthrie county has sent one 
hundred and forty-six additional men, making a total of 
two hundred and fifty volunteers — twenty-six more than 
her quota; it was therefore resolved to apply to the Gover- 
nor to rectify the mis,ake. 

The mistake, however, was not rectified, and a draft was 
made. 

At the January session of 1864, the Board voted a bounty 
of $100 to each volunteer, — which was paid in 1866. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

As I have come into possession of several items of inter- 
est, since the chapters to which some of them would natu- 
rally belong, were written, and others which seem to have 
no particular place, I will give them as they occur to me. 

The workmen now engaged in making the excavation for 
the basement of the high school building, dug up the root 
of the hickory pole raised in honor of President Pierce's 
election, in 1852. . 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 213 

In the early settlement of the county, I speak of Panooch 
and McKay, in Dallas county. The former was changed to 
Adel in 1853. 

McKay's post office was established, probably, in 1851, 
and a town was laid out a 3^ear or two later, and ealled 
Irishtown, which name it retained for several years, when 
it was changed to Redfield. 

The first house built in Panora was the log house of Mr. 
Hursche. This is its Jiistory : A Mr. Penny came here with 
the Cox family; he made a claim southeast of Panora, and 
to entitle him to hold it, he must have a shanty, which he 
engaged Mr. Brumbaugh to build. He faied to return, so 
the cabin was torn down and the logs sold to Mr. Hursche, 
who employed Mr. Leinart to draw them — with an ox team 
— to where he wished to build. 

I say Anderson's mill was the first west of Des Moines. 
There was a small mill in Dallas founty — Lamb's mill — 
prior to that time, but, like Rip Van Winkle's drinks, "it 
didn't count." It was a small affair and was run but a 
short time. 

Gopher Station, which was built and kept by John Betts 
— one mile east of Dalmanutha — was a strong frame with 
straw and mortar walls, plastered inside and out and its 
earthy appearance no doubt, suggested its name. 

."Andy" Brumbaugh did blacksmithing as early as 1851, 
but kept no " regular" shop. 

The Thos. Frazier place was first settled by a man by the 
name of Robinson. 

Among the old settlers who escaped my notice, is Mr. 
Silas Seelj^, brother to Capt. Seely, who came to the count}^ 
in 1854. He acted as deputy treasurer to the Captain. He 
was a gentleman of intelligence and culture, and was much 
missed when he left the county in 1856, or '57. He is now 
a resident of Missouri. 

Ayres Rose, of Centre township, is an old an much es- 
teemed resident of the count3^ He is a well-to-do farmer; 
has surrounded himself with the comforts of life, and 
14 



214 HISTOEY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 

though he has seen much care and sorrow, retains his faith 
in humanity and Divinity. 

An instance of the liberality and generosity of the early 
county officers, not already noticed, is that of Michael 
Leinart, who gave to the county, his salary as assessor, 
and also as township trustee. This, in the days when 
money was scarce, and the pioneers needy, is worthy of 
l-ecord and remembrance, as showing the disinterestedness 
of Mr. Leinart. But few officials would be willing to serve 
the people, exclusively for the people's good, as has done. 
Ever ready to encourage the right, he is ever firm iu dis- 
countenancing wrong-doing. 

Judge Bryan died in October, 1856. A wife and daughter 
survive him. The former is now the wife of Phillip Roberts. 
The daughter. Miss Lou. Bryan, a beautiful young lady 
Tvho might distinguish herself as a singer, did not her 
modest and retiring disposition prevent it. 

Not many years ago, we had in the county a genuine 
" post-trader." He kept a little store in the county, and 
also the post office. A Stuart attorney owned a piece of 
land near him. Mr. Postmaster wanted the land, and pro- 
posed to Blackstone to trade his store for it, offering as an 
inducement, to '' throw in the post office." The trade was 
not effected. 

In 1876 a District Agricultural Society was organized, 
with Geo. Gray, president; S. P. Rhoades, secretary; J. R. 
Bates,treasurer. 

The District is composed of the counties of Guthrie, 
Dallas, Madison and Adair. 

The first fair of the society was begun on the 10th of 
October, 1876, and continued four days. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hatch came to Guthrie county in 1869, and 
staid six years, removing to Des Moines in the spring of 
1876. Mr. Hatch is a native of Connecticut, Hartford Co., 
but has lived in Iowa since his boyhood; has been educated 
in the excellent schools of the State and at Iowa College. 

His wife was born and educated in New York, being a 



HISTORY OF GUTHRIE COUNTY. 215 

graduate of the State Normal School. She has been for 
years, a most successful teacher. They are both, at present, 
occupied with their chosen profession, teaching reading and 
elocution, and by their patient perseverance and hard labor 
are slowly but surely climbing to the highest round thereof. 
Mrs. Hatch is a contributor to the leading periodicals, is 
a sensible and entertaining writer; she is the author of the 
charming children's stories, published in the Register. 



216 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

GEO. GRAY. J. B. BLANCHARD. 

GRAY & BLANCHARD, 



Finishin? and Uppers a Specialty. 



Also, DOORS, TODOfS AND BLINDS. 

We have a fine large shed, in which we keep all our better Lumber, and we can, and will, sell 
as low as any one dare. We also have an Elevator and Feed Mill in connection with our business. 
Will pay highest market price for Grain, Hogs and Cattle. 

GRAY & BLANCHARD. 

Office and Yard, Soutli Side Railroad Track, STUAKT, IOWA. 



DEALER IN 

STAPLE AND FANCY GROCERIES, 

I have a large well selected Stock, which I am selling 
at Bottom Prices. 



DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, BOOTS and SHOES, 

STUART, - - - IOWA. 

ly Stoci is Coiniilete, and I am offering Bargains in all lines. 

The largest assortment to be found in either Guthrie or Adair 

Counties. 

PRODUCE TAKEN IN EXCHANGE. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 217 

BERNER & TOEDT, 

DEALERS IN 

HARDWARE, STOVES AND TINWARE, 

Carpenters' Tools, Guns and Revolvers, Ammunition, Table 
and Pocket Cutlery. Farming Tools, Leather and Rubber 
fielting. Iron (well and cistern) Pumps. Gas and Lead Pipes. 
Hard and Soft Coal Base-burners. 

AGENTS POR THE CELEBRATED 

CHARTER OAK COOK STOVE. 

l£e S© all 3{iuOs qI fafe Wmk In 

Tin, Sheet Iron and Copper, and employ first-class workmen. 

We have the largest and best stock of Tinware in this 

section. Call and see us. 

Pioneer Brick Block. Nassau Street. STUART, IOWA- 



DEALER IN 

BOOTS, SHOES, HATS, CAPS, 

AND GENT'S FURNISHING- GOODS, 

If ycu want an3rthing in Ms line, give him a call and save from 10 to 15 per cent. 

DEALER IN 

PIANOS, ORGANS AND SEWM MACHINES. 

A full line of Sheet Music and Small Merchandise, and 

Sewing Machine Oil and Attachments kept 

constantly on hand. 

Nassau Street. STUART, IOWA. 



218 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

Br. Tieat's lew Ims Store, 



EVERYTHING TM" THE LINE OF 

FANCY GOODS OF EVERY VARIETY. 



GLASS, PAINTS, OILS, BRUSHES, LDBRICATIN& OILS of all KinJs. 



BOOKS, STATIONERY, TOBACCOS, 

Can "be found at Dr. Treat's Kew Brick Erug Store. 
Corner Nassau and Division Streets. STUARTi IOWA. 

o-o"criLiD d3 :E3:oiL.3^v<rE!s, 

DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OF 



FARM MACHINERY, 

Also Lehigh, Anthracite, Blossburg and Des Moines Coal, which we 
sell as cheap for cash as any dealers in Stuart. 

CALL m EIAMISE ODR STOCK OF FARM WAGONS, 

Which we sell lower and warrant to wear longer than any wagon in this market. We always 

keep a full line of Pumps, Plows and Reaper Repairs. Remember our goods are 

warranted to give satisfaction, or no sale. 

Cfflse and Warehouse, seoond door east of Iowa House. STUART, IOWA. 



W. K. l—INDSAV, 

DEALER IN 

nooizr^, ETC. 

STUART, IOWA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



21^ 



XDIEB- 



e ISO "ST, 



PHYSICIAN AXD SURGEON, 

Sixteen years experience in the treatment of all Acute and Chronic Diseases, and diseases 

of women and children. Calls made at towns on the Railroad, where regular 

attendance is not required. Medicines sent by mail or express. 

The Doctor can be consulted daily at his Office, in his 

New Brick Drug Store. 



Corner Nassau and Treuiont Streets. 



STUART, IOWA. 



Dr. W. H. H. CRANDALL, 

PHYSICIAN & SURGEON, 

Makes the treatment of Chronic and Malignant Diseases of Men, Women"and Children a 
specialty. 

Having had some forty years experience in the general treatment of Acute, Chronic and 
Malignant Diseases, he feels qualified to meet the wants of the people. Dr. Crandall prepares and 
puts up all classes of Medicines for every form of disease prescribed for. 



m B. lAlI & s 



DEALERS IN 



Jfl 



Two Doors West of Post Office. 



STUART, IOWA. 



:e3:- c. Tieo"CJT, 

DEALER IN 

School, Miscellaneous and Blank Books, 

Ml fdEeipal Sally md IDeefely 'Fapars, 

TOBACCO. CIGARS, CANDY AND NOTIONS. 
STUART, - - - - - - - IOWA. 



220 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

Mrs. S. H. CHAMBERLAIN, 



AND DEALER IN 



RIBBONS, LACES, TRIMMINGS, ETC. 

Trfffiont street, two tccrs ncrtn of Er, LeRoy's Erng store. STUART, IOWA. 

CHAS. S. FOGG. 

ATTORNEY AT LAW, 

Divisicn Stieetnonh "of R. R. Track./ STUART, IOWA. 

DOSH & HERRIOTT, 



n-^^^E x^xE ccivSI'x.ete: 



DRUG STORE 

STUART, IOWA. 

EGAN & LAHMAN, 



MiYery amd F&edl Mi^M&s, 



MAIN STREET, - - STUART, IOWA. 

Keep the best turn-outs west of Des Moines. Prompt and 

careful drivers. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 221 

THE BEACON LIGHT, 

F, A. MANN, Editor and Proprietor, 

i^iiUt, south Side c^init Mvtti, htt. ^tvewtU ^ (^iglttU, 

'^^ An eight column folio : published each Wednesday. Official paper of town and county, having 
thejlargest circulation of any paper in the county. 

Dr. OWEN'S INFIRMARY, 

Corner Seventh and Mulberry Streets, 
DES MOINES, - - - - IOWA. 

Blindness, Deafness, Catarrh, Bronchitis, Dyspepsia, Diseases of the Liver, Heart, Kidneys, 
Blood, Nerves, and in fact, all Chronic and specific diseases of Man and Woman, successfully 
treated. Crossed Eyes straightened, artificial eyes inserted, and all intricate and delicate operations 
performed. 

Dr. J. W. OWEN, 
Cor. 7th and Mulberry Sts., Des Moines, 

JOHN T. MONTGOMERY, 

^iffhtnin^ Sack d ^um^s, 

DIVISION STREET. BET^VEEN" NASSAU and FRONT, 

STUART, ------- IOWA. 

CARROL HOUSE, 

A. J. WRIGHT, PROPRIETOR, 
ICvCairL Street, - Sfaart, lo-^^a. 

ROOMS AND TABLE FIRST-CLASS. COBVENIENT TO DEPOT. 



-222 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

W. P. MOULTON, Editor. CHAS. STUART, Proprietor. 

STUART LOCOMOTIVE, 

Published every Monday morning, at Stuart, Iowa, a division station on Chicago, Rock Island 
•and Pacific Railroad, and the best town between Des Moines and the Bluffs. 

The Locomotive is the local organ for both Adair and Guthrie Counties, and constantly increas- 
ing its circulation. 

THE STUART WEEKLY REGISTER 

u 



mrR .....^. 



OiT-A-ss^-Tir STX^EE:x, si-TTp^^xea:, xottnT.^- 



CHARLES R. TVRIGHT, Editor and Proprietor. 

The best advertising medium in the County. Job Work a specialty 
and promptly executed. 

GUTHRIE VEDETE. 

OFFICIAL PAPER OF GDTHRIE COUHTT, 

SDishes up local affairs lively. Largest circulation of any paper in the County, and is the only one 

using a power press in working off its edition. A first-class advertising 

medium. 

PANORA, - - - IOWA. 

ABET OLAHI© 

HAM KAUTZMAN, Editor and Pulslisher. 



$(^h Wmk md Mmi^lMit§ SellalkS. 



In Politics, Strictly Independent. Prospective Circulation, 600 Copies* 



ADVERTISEilENTS. 223 

F. B. BICKFORD. R. B. SPAULDINCJ. 

BZCSFOKD (& SF2iT7Z<DZ2!TG, 

DEALERS IN 

HATS, CAPS, BOOTS, SHOES, CLOTHIH&, NOTIONS, Etc, 

Bottom Prices Quaranteed at all times on our Goods. 

g-xjthrie;, - - lOTVA. 

J. W. HARRIS. J. M. HARRIS. W. M. HARRIS. M. E. HARRIS. 

HARRIS BROTHERS, 

DEALERS IN 

Hardware, Stoves, Tinware, 

§w Potos Coal, p«H«c gttrajis k ffiarttom ^intt. 

Also agents for Sweepstakes Th'-eshing Machines and McCormick Reapers 

and Harvesters. 
G-XJTHRIE. . - - - . - - . IO"WA. 

DEALERS IN 

BB7 @OOSS, glOOlEIlE, lOTIOfS, 

HATS, CAPS, BOOTS, SHOES, Etc. 
<3--crTixxeiE:, ------- xoTxr.^- 

To tlie Close Casli Buyers of Mlirie anl Aiair Connties, Sreetinr. 

I am permanently located in my Store, at Guthrie, Iowa, selling 

Groceries, Canned Fruits, 

Wooden and Earthern Ware, Boots and Shoes, for ready pay at 
the lowest possible cash rates. Country Produce taken. 

.; J. B. RICHARDSON. - GUTHRIE, IOWA. 



224 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

BANKERS AND NEGOTIATORS OF LOANS. 

Selling Real Estate and Collections made a Specialty. 



LAW, EXCHANGE AND LOAN OFFICE. 

Loans on Real Estat? promptly |negotiated at reasonable rates. Collections on all parts of the 

country a specialty. 



HITCHCOCK BROTHERS, 

DEALERS IN 

STAPLE AND FANCY DRY GOODS, 

IbTotions a^ad. I^'U.riiisliizig' 0-ood.s, 

At prices never before heard of. Also, a full line of Groceries. Country Produce taken. Call and 
e.\amine our stock and prices, before purchasing elsewhere. 

GUTHRIE, IOWA. 

MISS SADIE WELLS, 



Xotioi)^ ai\(i ^finiQ^irig^ of all iur\d^. 

:dz2,ess 2vr.A.2s:x^TC3- ii^r .^XjXj xts BX^.£>.:tTCixES. 

GUTHRIE, lO'WA. 

Pays Taxes, buys and sells Real Estate, etc. Also agent for National 

Line of Ocean Steamers to all parts of the World. Sells 

the Celebrated Needham & Son Organs. 

GUTHRIE, ----- IOWA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 225 

DEALER IX 



^ ^^/S)i\^^ 






Perfumery, Dye Stuffs, Pure Wines and Liquors for medicinal purposes, Patent Medicines, 

Notions and Fancy Articles, and all articles generally kept by Druggists. 

Physicians' Prescriptions Carefully Compounded. 

CASEY, -_--_- IOWA. 

DEALER IN 

SHELF t HEAVY HARDWARE 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 

South Side Eailroad. CASEY. IOWA. 



PANORA, IOWA. 

Q&ad ^mammOidaUQn^ at aU tlai@a« 



The Stabling has been enlarged and improved and now gives 

ample room. 



J. J. jorviiis, 

GENERAL DEALER IN 

Ready Made ClotMui, Hats, Caps, Boots M Slioes. 

Also, DEALER in CLOTHS, BLANKETS, STOCKING YARN. Etc. 
PANOKA, - IOWA. 



226 ADVERTISEMENTS. 

S. D. NICHOLS, Pres. L. J. PENTECOST, Cashier. 

§nthne §onnt^ §mtk. 



Geo. H. Moore. E. J. Eeynolds. 0. B. Hayden. 

T. -.^- 'z:x3:on^s^:E=soisr, 

DEALER IN 

NOTIONS ANB GENERAL MERCHANDISE. ; 
PANORA, ... - - . IOWA. 

JOHN CLINE. JAS. M. CLINE. W. H. CLINE. 

J. CZiXlTS: (& SOXTS, 

DEALERS IN 

Dry Goods, Clothing, Groceries, Notions, 

Queensware, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, Woolen Goods, Blankets, Tobacco, Cirgars, 
Flour, Butter, Eggs, Bacon, Fish, etc. 

Brick Corner. PANORA. IOWA. 



JOHN JACKSON. JAS. GARLOW, 

JACKSON & GARLOAV, • 



DEALERS IN 



SHELF & HEATY HARDWARE 

Stoves and Tinware, Agricultural Implements of all kinds, Moline Buggies and Wagons, 

Pumps, etc. Also agents for the Victor Scale. Glidden's Patent Steel Barb 

Wire kept in stock. 

South Side of Public Square. PANORA, IOWA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 22T 

PEITTECOST (& HA^DEIT, 

DEALERS IN 



BMUOB 



'j7 mBBBm^iij^%^jaiiii!iiBW^' 

Chemicals, Fine Toilet Soap, Fancy Hair and Tooth Brushes, Perfumery and p'ancy Toilet 

Articles. Paints, Oils, Vaanishes, Glass, Putty and Dye Stuffs. Watches, Clocks, 

Jewelr)", Carbon Oil, Lamps and Chimneys. School Books and Stationery 

a Specialty. Physicians' Prescriptions Accurately Compounded. 

PANORA, ------ IOWA. 

DEALER IN 

WY GOODS, GROCERIES, 

Realy-male ClotMni, Hats, Caps, Boots aiiJ Slioes. 

GUTHRIE CENTRE, - - - . IOWA. 



JNO. BOWER & CO., 

DEALERS IN 

DKUGS, MEDICINES, 

Paints, Oils, School Books, Stationery, etc. Business in charge of 

P. H. LENON, who started the first drug store 

in the county. 

GUTHRIE CENTRE, - - - IOWA. 



GUTHRIE CENTRE MILLS 

MOTZ & MUNTZ, Proprietors. 

All kinds of Custom Work done on Short Notice. 



BEST BRANDS OF FLOOR AND FEED KEPT CONSTANTLY ON HAND. 
GUTHRIE CENTRE, ------ IOWA. 



■^28 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



f auh, ^bstvact & §ul Estate ©«ic(, 

GUTHRIE CENTRE, IOWA. 

J. B. CARPENTE'r 

ATTORiy AND COUllLOR AT lAW, 

Will practice in Guthrie and adjoining counties, and in the Supreme 

and Federal Courts. Collections, the Payment of Taxes 

and Real Estate promptly attended to. 

GUTHRIE CENTRE. ------ IOWA. 

Clerk of District and Circuii Courts, 

1I4L ISf Aflj TkZ PAfllS, MW, 

Office in the Court House, Guthrie Centre, Iowa. Will Pay Taxes, 
Collect Rents, Lease Farm and Town Property, etc. Have complete 
Abstract of all the Records of Guthrie County. 

ATTORNEY AT LAW, 
R. J. conne:i_l_y, 

Hoiixeoj>atliic IPliysiciaii, 

DES MOINES, IOWA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. * 229 

ID. HI. bk.xjiszcba.xjoh:, 

DEALER IN 

MUt ^ Hmwf Mmiwme 

GUTHKIE CENTRE. IOWA. 

A. K. UPDEGRAFF. ELBERT W. WEEKS. 

UPDEGRAFF & WEEKS, 

MM§n§f& mi M§imlm^ 

GUTHRIE CENTRE, - - IOWA. 



PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, 

HI. S. IFISEC, 

nDElSTTIST- 

Permanently located in Guthrie Centre. All work warranted 
to give satisfaction or money refunded. 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Adair Q^ 

Bear Grove Township 55 

Beaver Township 63 

Centre Township 68 

Casey 103 

Churches 147 

Courts 167 

Club Law 163 

Congressmen 182 

Clerks— County 178 

County Seat and Court House ". 183 

location of , 27 

County High School 156 

Constitutional Convention 181 

Census Keturus 192 

Dodge Township , 61 

Dale City 53 

Dalmanutha 81 

Guthrie County, description ot 9 

first settlement of. 13 

women of 188 

organization of 25 

Guthrie 98 

Guthrie Centre 71 

Grant Township 94 

Highland Township 89 

Iowa, historjf of 5 

Jackson Township , 50 

Judges , 167 

Legislature, members of , 181 

Morrisburg. 52 

Military 200 

Miscellaneous 212 

Newspapers 159 

Orange Township 61 

Officers — County 174 

Post Offices 157 



^i INDEX. 

Patents 187 

Penn 65 

Panora 29 

Recorders 179 

Richland 97 

Supervisors 180 

Stuart 109 

Schools 149 

Sheriffs 177 

Thompson Township 81 

Union Township 87 

Valley Township 84 

Victory Township 87 

ADVERTISERS. PAGE 

Berner & Toedt 217 

Beacon Light 221 

Bickford & Spaukling 223 

Bower Juo. & Co 227 

Brumbaugh D. H 229 

Crandall W. H. H 219 

Chamberlain Mrs. S. H 220 

Carrol House 221 

Casey Clarion. 222 

Cline J. & Sons 226 

Carpenter J. B 228 

Connelly P. J 228 

Dosh & Herriott 220 

Egan & Lahmaii 220 

Fogg Chas. 220 

Fish H. S 229 

Gray & Blanchard 216 

Gould & Holmes 218 

Guthrie County Bank. 226 

Harris Brothers 223 

Haden Chas 228 

HillC. W ...". 228 

Hopkins J. Y 229 

Hitchcock Brothers 224 

Hyzer W. W 225 

Jones J. J.. 225 

Jackson c% Garlow 226 

Kahn & Son 219 

Lindsay W. K 218 

LeRoy Dr 219 

Lyon J. A 227 

Moore J. M 224 

Montgomery Jno. T 221 

Martin & Kile 228 



3 INDEX. 

Marshall R. H • 325 

Motz & Muntz 227 

Newton E B 224 

OwenDr 221 

Pentecost & Hay den 227 

Panora House 325 

Ryan M 316 

Ryan Pat 217 

Richardson J. B 333 

Stuart Locomotive 239 

Stuart Register 329 

Treat Dr 218 

Trout H.C 219 

Updegraff & Weeks 329 

Vedette Guthrie 222 

Walters S. C 217 

Wells Sadie 224 

Wetmore I. P , 228 






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